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Workers Urge State Loan-Repayment Program to Retain Human-Services Staff
Summary
Witnesses testified in favor of H.283 / S.119, legislation to create/continue a student loan repayment program for human-service workers; proponents argued the program helps retain staff who provide essential services and described strong applicant demand in prior ARPA-funded rounds.
The committee received testimony supporting House Bill 283 / Senate Bill 119 to establish a recurring student loan repayment program for the human-services workforce in Massachusetts.
Bill Yolenak, president and CEO of the Providers Council, said the sector is underpaid and that prior one‑time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding drew more than 3,100 applications for approximately $16.5 million in available funds; applicants requested roughly $63 million. "We saw an overwhelming response," Yolenak said, noting the median wage for direct-care staff remains well below living-wage estimates and that only a subset of applicants could be funded in earlier rounds.
Two human-service workers described personal impacts: Elena Streckenberger said she received $30,000 in loan repayment from a previous state program and that the funds were "an immeasurable impact" allowing her to stay in the sector. Jawan Kellum, a licensed clinical social worker, said he carries $93,456.98 in student debt from undergraduate, graduate and clinical training and warned the field loses staff who cannot afford to remain.
Supporters requested a statutory program allowing awards tied to hours worked and tenure with awards sized by educational attainment (examples discussed ranged roughly $6,000–$30,000 per award). Advocates urged a favorable report so the Legislature can provide predictable funding and expand access beyond a one-time allocation. No committee vote occurred at the hearing.
