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Committee advances $25M first‑responder loan‑forgiveness ballot measure despite Peskin dissent
Summary
The committee recommended sending an ordinance to establish a First Responders Student Loan Forgiveness Fund (proposed cap $25 million; up to $25,000 per employee) to the full board with a positive recommendation. President Peskin dissented in committee, arguing the Board could enact the ordinance without a ballot measure and the proposal lacks a funding source.
The Rules Committee voted to forward to the full Board of Supervisors an ordinance to create a First Responders Student Loan Forgiveness and Ongoing Education Fund, intended to pay outstanding student loans and job‑related education expenses for sworn police, fire and sheriff personnel, paramedics, registered nurses, and 911 dispatchers, supervisors and coordinators.
Sponsor Supervisor Safaei said the proposal would be capped at $25 million and allow up to $25,000 in loan forgiveness per eligible employee. "We all know the dire situation we face… staffing shortages in critical positions, especially first responders," Safaei said, framing the fund as a tool to attract and retain qualified candidates.
President Aaron Peskin voiced opposition to using the ballot for an ordinance, saying the Board can pass ordinances directly and that ballot use should be reserved for measures that require voter action. "This is an ordinance, and I think you have the support to pass it here at the Board of Supervisors," Peskin said.
Vice Chair Walton said she supported sending the item to the ballot and highlighted broader conversations about student‑debt relief at federal and local levels.
The committee voted to forward the ordinance to the full board with a positive recommendation. Vice Chair Walton and Chair Safaei voted aye; President Peskin voted no. Committee members noted the measure establishes a fund but does not specify a dedicated funding source, and staff indicated the Board could address funding in the budget process if it chose to do so.
