MREA testified this week in support of establishing a loan forgiveness program for newly licensed teachers in identified teacher shortage areas. The program would be available for up to five years.
The House Education Innovation Policy Committee on Tuesday heard HF1170 sponsored by Rep. Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea).
SF759 is the companion bill sponsored by Sen. Vicki Jensen (DFL-Albert Lea). It appropriates unspecified sums to the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education for the program.
MREA is working with both authors to include language that gives preference to teachers in shortage subject areas teaching in rural districts.
The House bill was re-referred to Government Operations Committee and Senate bill still has yet to be heard.