Reynolds-Jackson Introduces Measure Creating ‘Frontline Health Care Worker Loan Forgiveness Program’

    (TRENTON) – Continuing to support New Jersey’s health care workers on the frontlines of the pandemic, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon) has introduced legislation that would establish a loan forgiveness program for health care workers who provided COVID-19-related health care services.

    The bill (A-4396) would create the Frontline Health Care Worker Loan Forgiveness Program for New Jersey college loans. It aims to assist frontline health care workers who provided COVID-19-related health care services with their NJCLASS State student loans and private student loans.

    “Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have witnessed New Jersey health care workers on the frontlines of this health crisis make extraordinary sacrifices to help COVID-19 patients,” said Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon). “The selfless dedication of our doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals deserves every effort we can make to provide them relief in their own lives. For working around the clock to get New Jersey residents through these challenging times, our health care workers on the frontlines have earned it.”

    For a loan to be eligible for forgiveness under the program, the loans must have been extended for the express purpose of financing graduate education expenses or undergraduate education expenses in a relevant health care program of study that leads to a degree or certificate necessary to provide COVID-related health care services.

    The bill provides that a program will remain open to eligible applicants for two years following the expiration of the public health emergency or State of emergency declared by the Governor in Executive Order 103 of 2020.