On February 13, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Committee in support of HB 545- Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program- Nancy Grasmick Public School Professional Award- Public School Nurses. This bill extends eligibility for the existing loan assistance program to public school nurses who are licensed as registered nurses. Counties view this as an additional tool to help hire and retain school nurses as school systems struggle with staffing shortages.
This is an especially important undertaking at a time when our students are struggling with mental health as they return to classrooms post-pandemic and as our schools struggle to hire and retain qualified staff, including school nurses. By allowing these critical school staff to apply for the State’s student loan repayment assistance program, these professionals are more likely to serve in a Maryland public school and to remain serving in them. Additionally, doing so offers an added incentive for more people to pursue education in nursing and the medical field.
HB 545’s cross-file, SB 441, was heard on February 14, 2024 in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Brianna January submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
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