AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously last week 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. Social workers employed in settings including, but not limited to, public service, corrections, education, nonprofits and private practices that provide services to Medicaid and Medicare recipients are eligible for the expanded forgiveness.
"Social workers improve 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. This legislation 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 Maine's 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.
A survey from The Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers indicated 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 further votes in the House and Senate.
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