AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, introduced a bill this week to expand the state's social worker loan forgiveness program.
LD 632 would expand the current program by increasing the number of applicants who receive loan forgiveness from three to 100 and raise 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 serving people enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare.
"With climbing rates of suicide, overdose deaths and waiting lists for treatment across the state, the demand for mental health services is greater than ever," said Crafts, a licensed social worker. "Facing the current workforce shortage and challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, the system cannot meet the current mental health needs of Mainers. I am working closely with social workers and advocates across the state to 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 (NASW) and research conducted with Maines higher education institutions. Together, they surveyed licensed social workers and found that the most common barriers in the field were student debt and low wages.
"The debt load carried by Maine social workers, combined with the fact that social workers are currently among the lowest paid clinician positions in our state, are causing many to consider leaving the field at a time when there is a shortage of providers to meet the growing behavioral health needs of Maine residents", said Chris McLaughlin, executive director of the Maine chapter of NASW, in support of the bill.
LD 632 will come before the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee for a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. It can be livestreamed here.
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 Legislatures Marine Resources and Transportation Committees.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Crafts], c. 305-965-2744