New Student Loan Program For Nurses Promoted By Gov. Wolf, Sen. Collett

HARRISBURG — A legislator from the southeastern part of the state has joined together with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf to promote a new student loan program geared toward Pennsylvania nurses.

State Sen. Maria Collett, a Democrat representing the 12th Senatorial District in Montgomery and Bucks Counties, is promoting a new student loan program alongside the governor that is geared toward nurses.

The Student Loan Relief for Nurses program is part of the COVID-19 Nursing Workforce Initiative, which is designed to provide greater support to Pennsylvania nurses during the challenges presented by the global pandemic.

Those who apply for the new loan could be selected to receive student loan relief of up to $2,500 for each year of work during the pandemic, up to three years, with a maximum benefit of $7,500, according to the senator's office.

In the recently released promotional video, Collett, who is herself a Registered Nurse, makes reference to those nurses statewide who have worked around the clock to care for individuals during the pandemic "while risking their own health."

"I know how physically and emotionally draining our job can be, especially in times of crisis," Collett says in the video. "To recognize your essential work, and offer ongoing support as you continue to keep Pennsylvania safe and healthy, I'm proud to tell you about Pennsylvania's new Student Loan Relief for Nurses Program. I've been pushing for something like this from day one."

Collett said that when she pitched the idea to Wolf during the budget process, "he was all in."

Wolf goes on in the video to praise Pennsylvania nurses for playing a critical role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our nurses have given up a lot to help keep their fellow Pennsylvanians safe and healthy," Wolf says in the video.

Wolf said the commonwealth cannot afford for student loan debt to prevent "talented people from choosing a career in nursing.

"This program is one important way for us to support the nurses who have done so much to protect our communities, and to demonstrate how much we value the Pennsylvanians who choose careers that make a difference," Wolf stated.

Those nurses who are interested in applying for the new student loan program can find out more information by visiting this website.