Letter from the Attorney General November 10

Dear colleagues, 

This week, in collaboration with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, our office had the honor of hosting a clinic to help government and nonprofit workers with federal student loans get closer to loan forgiveness, specifically through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The clinic especially highlighted the benefits and importance of the recent and time-limited Payment Count Adjustment program, which is a game changing opportunity for borrowers, especially those working in public service. I am so proud of our team’s devotion to supporting borrowers throughout the recent return to repayment process. 

During Monday’s clinic, team members from our Student Loan Assistance Unit (SLAU) assisted dozens of public service workers in identifying their federal loan types, strategizing on consolidation, certifying their public service employment, and enrolling in repayment plans. The entire SLAU team has been working tremendously hard on the front lines of the student debt crisis, guiding, and assisting borrowers to navigate repayment with immense dedication, passion, and urgency each day. 

Team members heard powerful stories from borrowers during the clinic, including Nicole LeBlanc, whom our office had previously helped. As a result of our assistance, Nicole had $70,000 in federal student loan debt forgiven and finally had the opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a homeowner. 

We know the student debt crisis disproportionately impacts women, low-income borrowers, and communities of color, acting as a driving force of the racial wealth gap. Through the Payment Count Adjustment and related programs, more than 15,000 Massachusetts public service workers have already received over $1 billion in loan forgiveness, and that deserves a round of applause. 

Our office will continue to be a resource on this issue and is hosting several upcoming webinars open to the public: https://www.mass.gov/info-deta... 

Thank you to Arwen Thoman, Erica Harmon, Annie Killelea, Audra Kingsley, Danielle Klee, Leah MacArthur, and the entire Student Loan Assistance Unit for your leadership and hard work in making our office a leading force in guiding and protecting borrowers in Massachusetts. Additionally, thank you to Molly McGlynn, Sherry Riva, Sabrina Zafar, Kaitlyn Solares, Lisa Sears and everyone else who worked to make this event happen. 

As you enjoy tomorrow and the beautiful weekend, please find ways to acknowledge and thank our veterans for their sacrifice past and present. Thank you to all in the AGO who have served and continue to serve! 

With tremendous gratitude, 

Andrea