1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to express urgent concern about the potential elimination of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and its impact on my financial stability and Maryland's economy. As a Maryland resident with nearly $200,000 in student loan debt, I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector for years, relying on PSLF to manage my debt. I’m halfway through the program, with a plan to repay about $8,000 over 10 years. However, if PSLF is eliminated, I will be left with a crushing debt burden that I cannot afford on my nonprofit salary. Additionally, I have spent 15 years working toward opening two businesses in Maryland—both of which are now at risk due to federal budget cuts and PSLF elimination. The first is an event-based business, which is scheduled for its first event in June. With the economic uncertainty, I fear we won’t meet the minimum funding required to launch. The second is a nonprofit art center in Baltimore County, aimed at providing accessible art education to children who lack nearby resources. With PSLF and nonprofit funding under threat, these efforts may never materialize. I am asking Maryland to take immediate action to protect current PSLF borrowers and businesses. Specifically, I urge you to: 1. Guarantee Loan Forgiveness for PSLF Borrowers – If PSLF is eliminated, Maryland must step in to forgive loans for those already enrolled. 2. Create a Maryland Emergency Student Debt Protection Fund – A state fund to support Maryland public servants and nonprofit workers impacted by PSLF changes. 3. Support Small Businesses Impacted by PSLF Cuts – Provide grants or low-interest loans to business owners who are relying on PSLF. 4. Protect Nonprofits from Federal Funding Cuts – Maryland should offer state-level funding and grants to keep critical nonprofit services running. If action isn’t taken, Maryland’s nonprofit sector will collapse, entrepreneurs like myself will lose our businesses, and the state will suffer significant economic losses. We cannot afford to wait. I urge you to act swiftly and provide the protections needed to support Maryland’s workforce and economy. Please let me know what steps Maryland is taking to defend its residents, businesses, and nonprofit sector from this crisis. I look forward to your response.