Paul Goulet hopes Connecticut will help him get from under nearly $8,000 he’s borrowed for college after losing his job in a paper manufacturing plant.
Goulet, 55, is a student in environmental studies at Goodwin College in East Hartford, aiming to find work in wastewater treatment. State legislation that would waive thousands of dollars in loans would benefit him and other students who earn degrees or certificates in green technology and other jobs.
“Everything I’ve taken out since October is on the student loan program,” he said. “Any little bit would help, especially with the job market the way it is.”
Loan forgiveness programs aren’t new — states use them to entice medical professionals to rural areas, steer teachers to certain subject areas and attract farmers to local agriculture.
The legislation comes as the White House is emphasizing the importance of green works and job creation. President Barack Obama announced in January $2.3 billion in tax credits — to be paid for from last year’s $787 billion stimulus package — that he said would create 17,000 green jobs. The money will go to projects including solar, wind and energy management.
Connecticut Considering Waiving Student Loans for ‘Green’ Jobs – Courant.com.
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