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Public Health Workforce Support: Student Loan Repayment Expansion

This act aims to strengthen the public health workforce by expanding and improving the student loan repayment program. This means more individuals working in public health can receive assistance with their educational debts, encouraging them to join and remain in this sector, ultimately improving access to public health services for citizens.
Key points
Increases the maximum annual loan repayment from $35,000 to $50,000, and the total amount from $105,000 to $150,000.
Expands eligible fields of study to include epidemiology, laboratory sciences, data systems, data science, data analytics, and statistics, broadening access for more specialists.
Allows final-semester students to apply if they have secured employment with a public health agency, facilitating a smoother transition from education to work.
Introduces flexibility for non-completion of service obligations, allowing for waivers or suspensions of penalties, providing greater security for program participants.
Mandates a study on public health workforce gaps and challenges in hiring, recruitment, and retention, to inform future planning and system improvements.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_3506
Sponsor: Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
Process start date: 2022-01-13