Loan Break for Library Students?

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Author: Blumenstein, Lynn

On July 21, the House of Representatives passed an amendment to the Higher Education Act, H.R. 609, that would forgive student loans for librarians working in poor communities. Presented by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), the amendment extends Section 428K of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide up to $5000 in loan forgiveness to first responders, including librarians, who served for five consecutive years in "areas of national need" as designated by the Secretary of Education.

"Librarians are facing a dire shortage across the nation," said Grijalva. "The amendment would provide substantial incentives for tomorrow's leaders to help educate and assist America's children who live in some of the poorest, most impoverished communities in our country." Grijalva's wife, daughter, and son-in-law are librarians. The issue still must be taken up by the Senate.

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By Lynn Blumenstein