Booker, Figures, Hayes, Ezell Introduce Bill to Cover College Costs for Children of Longtime Educators, First Responders, and Social Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Shomari Figures (D-AL-02), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), and Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) introduced the Public Service Educational Assistance Act, legislation that would cover the cost of college or job training for the children of educators, first responders, and social workers who have dedicated at least 20 years to public service. "Educators, first responders, and social workers show up for us in our classrooms, our emergencies, and our hardest moments, year after year," said Senator Booker. "Their families carry that sacrifice too, often quietly, through long hours and stretched budgets. After 20 years of service, the least we can do is make sure their kids can go to college without drowning in debt. I'm proud to work with Representative Figures to get this done." “These public service employees perform among the most challenging and important functions in our communities, so that is why I am proud to introduce this bill that relieves the financial burden of them sending their children to college or job training programs,” said Representative Figures. “I’m committed to making sure that we recognize the sacrifices made by people who are the backbone of communities in Alabama and across America, and that we invest in real opportunities for their families." “Teachers, social workers, and first responders dedicate their lives in service to our communities, oftentimes unable to provide opportunities they fight so hard for others to enjoy, to their own children,” said Representative Hayes . “I am pleased to introduce the Public Service Educational Assistance Act alongside Congressman Figures to honor the work of public servants and make it easier for their own families to pursue higher education." “As someone who spent more than four decades in law enforcement, I know the sacrifices that come with a career dedicated to serving your community—not just for the individual wearing the badge, but for their entire family,” said Representative Ezell . “The Public Service Educational Assistance Act recognizes that commitment by helping provide educational opportunities for the children of those who have devoted decades of their lives to public service. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to support the families of our law enforcement officers, first responders, educators, and others who dedicate their careers to serving their neighbors.” “The men and women of law enforcement make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our communities safe, and their families serve alongside them every step of the way,” said President Mathew Silverman of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. “The ‘Public Service Educational Assistance Act’ recognizes that shared commitment by opening doors to education and opportunity for the children of career federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and other vital public servants. We appreciate the leadership of Reps. Figures, Ezell, and Hayes and Sen. Booker on this legislation and are proud to support this important investment in the families who stand behind those who protect and serve.” “The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) understands the financial demands that face social workers across workforce settings. NASW applauds Reps. Shomari Figures, Jahana Hayes, and Mike Ezell, and Senator Cory Booker, for introducing the Public Service Educational Assistance Act,” said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, NASW. “Establishing an educational assistance program for dependents of social workers, first responders, and educators is a great way to encourage public service and help public servants meet the needs of their children. Too often, social workers struggle to support their children financially for post-secondary education. This legislation would help social workers’ children achieve their dreams." Under the Public Service Educational Assistance Act , eligible dependents of full-time educators, first responders, and social workers with at least 20 years of qualifying service would receive: Full coverage of tuition, fees, and books at eligible colleges, universities, or qualifying training programs in their state of residence or domicile. Up to four years of assistance, available until the dependent turns 26. Continued eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other federal, state, and local loan repayment, forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge programs. The Public Service Educational Assistance Act is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association. The full text of the bill can be found here.