The state House has approved a bill that would provide student loan forgiveness for college graduates who are members of volunteer fire and ambulance companies.
Legislators say one of the purposes of the bill is to recruit more people to join the volunteer emergency services. One of the bill’s sponsors—Democratic Rep. Chris Sainato explains how the legislation will work.
“The loan forgiveness program of $4,000 per year for four years, up to $16,000 over four years, to encourage people to join the volunteer fire companies,” Sainato said.
Sainato hopes the bill will serve as a framework for other states that are experience volunteer firefighter shortages.
