AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee voted to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, that would provide additional student debt relief for social workers to help grow the profession and improve mental health services in Maine.
As amended, LD 632 would expand the current program by increasing the number of applicants who receive loan forgiveness from three to 25 and raising the total amount of forgiveness from $5,000 to $20,000. Qualifying employment would include, but not be limited to, working in public service, corrections, education, nonprofits and private practices that provide services to Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
"Social workers improve the quality of life for individuals and communities and are essential to improving the overall health of our state," said Crafts, a licensed social worker. "Facing the current workforce shortage, the system cannot meet the current mental health needs of Mainers. I thank the committee for supporting this legislation which will strategically address this problem by attracting and retaining more social workers."
Crafts introduced the bill after discussions with the Maine chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and research conducted with Maines higher education institutions. Together, they surveyed licensed social workers and found that the most common barriers to entry into the field were student debt and low wages.
"As the Case Management Program Director at a statewide behavioral agency, I can attest that the need for basic behavioral health care is at an unprecedented level. People are reaching out for help, and it is largely unavailable or requires an extensive wait of six to eight months. Part of the solution is measures like LD 632, which reinvests in our social workers and supports them staying in Maine," said Anne Hartman, an educator at the University of Maine School of Social Work.
A survey from The Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers indicates that social workers, on average, carry between $68,000 to $76,000 in student loan debt. This burden is further compounded by the low salaries and compensation that is common in the profession.
The bill faces additional votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Rep. Crafts is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Monhegan Plantation. She is a member of the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee and Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Crafts], c. 305-965-2744