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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 20, 2021 12:28 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Nick Pisciottano |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Skill Up PA Act |
| Our nation is facing a $1.6 trillion crisis: student loan debt. In Pennsylvania alone, there are an estimated 2.1 million borrowers with a total debt of $71.5 billion. Student loans are a large financial burden to millions of individuals in Pennsylvania, where all age groups owe more than the national average. This can force many to delay exciting life milestones, such as buying a home or starting a family. Seeking higher education or a new skill in the trades should not lead to unmanageable debt, and it is time we address this issue to help graduates pay off their loans. We need broad student loan relief in our state. That is why I am introducing the Skill Up Pennsylvania Act, which would establish the Skill Up PA program. With this program, Pennsylvania residents who earn less than $50,000 would receive $5,000 in an education benefit to pay their student loans, and there would be a gradual phase out for individuals who earn up to $75,000. Eligibility for the program includes students at community colleges, career and technical schools, vocational schools, trade schools, PASSHE schools, and other institutions offering undergraduate degrees or certifications. The program would be funded with $100 million from the Commonwealth’s portion of the American Rescue Plan federal funds to provide these education benefits that will help thousands of Pennsylvanians. Student loan borrowers in Pennsylvania need assistance, and we have the ability to provide some relief. I hope you will join me in supporting this legislation that will help ease the burden of educational debt for our workforce. |
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| View Attachment | ||
Introduced as HB2198