1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program has been a vital lifeline for many healthcare providers, allowing them to pursue careers in public service without being overburdened by student loan debt. However, the proposed legislation from House Republicans threatens to undermine this important program by excluding medical and dental residents from eligibility. This move would disproportionately affect those who have dedicated their lives to serving communities in need and working at nonprofit or public hospitals. Healthcare professionals often accumulate significant student loan debt due to the extensive education required in their field. The PSLF program recognizes the immense value they provide to society and offers a path to loan forgiveness after 10 years of public service employment. Cutting off this benefit during the critical residency and internship years would further exacerbate the financial strain on these individuals, potentially deterring them from pursuing careers in underserved areas or at public institutions. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the PSLF program and ensure that all eligible public service workers, including medical and dental residents, can access the loan forgiveness they have been promised. Healthcare providers play an essential role in our communities, and we should be supporting and encouraging their invaluable contributions, not creating additional barriers to their success. Therefore, I urge you to preserve the PSLF program in its current form, allowing healthcare providers to continue serving without the burden of overwhelming student loan debt.