Riley supporting loan forgiveness for volunteer first responders
Riley announced his co-sponsorship of the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations, or HEROES, Act. The initiative is a bipartisan bill that would extend eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to include volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders.
'If you've put on the gear and answered the call, you shouldn't be buried in debt,' said Riley. 'The HEROES Act gives volunteer firefighters the respect they've earned by making their service count toward student loan forgiveness. They don't do it for the money—they do it because they love their communities and want to keep their neighbors safe.'
According to Riley, the HEROES Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to recognize the service of unpaid emergency responders as qualifying public service under the PSLF program, making them eligible for federal student loan forgiveness after ten years of service and qualifying payments.
Riley supporting loan forgiveness for volunteer first responders
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Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Ford to change parks law for Wasaga Beach redevelopment
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'There's no guarantee these parklands won't be next,' he said. Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner says Ford is once again removing important protections, just like with Bill 5 — this time putting provincial parks at risk. 'He's doing it all to benefit wealthy insiders and putting the rest of provincial parks under threat,' Schreiner said. 'Ontario parks belong to the people, not wealthy Ford-connected insiders.' He urged the public to push back before more damage is done. 'Our parks are home to species at risk, vital wetlands and ecological features that protect nearby communities from flooding and extreme weather,' Schreiner said in a statement. 'They are also cherished spaces where Ontario families can camp, hike, swim, paddle and connect with each other and nature.' The proposed changes still need to be voted on at Queen's Park, but that won't happen until the legislature returns in late October. Gray is urging people to act now by contacting their MPPs and pushing back. 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New York Times
3 days ago
- New York Times
SCORE Act advances through committee, moving college sports reform closer to House floor
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Business Upturn
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- Business Upturn
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