Bill > H124

This bill establishes a student loan repayment program for credentialed direct care human service workers, aiming to encourage individuals to enter and remain in these vital roles. The program, to be managed by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, defines a "qualified education loan" as any debt incurred for tuition or other direct educational expenses for a certificate, undergraduate, or graduate degree, excluding loans from relatives. To qualify, participants must work at least 35 hours per week as a credentialed direct care human service worker and have an annual income below $45,000. The program also assists graduates with previously incurred student loans after twelve consecutive months of employment at the required hours. Eligible workers can receive reimbursement of up to $1,800 annually, based on previous loan payments and subject to state funding, with the Commonwealth repaying up to $150 per month for a maximum of 48 months, provided the worker is actively providing services in the Commonwealth during those months. A "credentialed direct care human service worker" is defined as a credentialed professional or paraprofessional who supports individuals and families in daily living, working in various settings like group homes, correctional facilities, and community mental health centers, and who has met course requirements and received a credential from the Massachusetts Council of Human Services Providers.