H.R. 209 would expand the teacher loan forgiveness provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include speech-language pathologists.
Detailed Summary
Helping Our Students Communicate Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to assume or cancel loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan or the Direct Loan programs to individuals who have been employed for five consecutive complete school years as full-time speech-language pathologists: (1) principally at elementary and secondary schools whose enrollment of disadvantaged students exceeds 30%; and (2) have at least a graduate degree in speech-language pathology, or communication sciences and disorders.
Caps loan forgiveness at $17,500.
Limits the benefits of this Act to new borrowers on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of this Act's enactment.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Lucero
May 19, 2009, 5:39pm (report abuse)As a speech therapist in the public schools, I know how important it is to get this bill passed inorder to help others in the profession. Many may not realize that speech therapist require a masters degree in order to be fully licensed. The cost of school is very expensive. Many therapist are lured out of the school settings for more money to pay school loans. There is a huge shortage every where. Please help pass this.