WHEREAS:
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) defined “professional” graduate degrees that excluded nurses, social workers, educators and more; and
WHEREAS:
Excluding nurses, social workers and public health workers from being considered “professionals” can devalue their education, training and expertise; and
WHEREAS:
This rule would restrict access to federal student loans for dedicated professionals who want to pursue a graduate degree; and
WHEREAS:
Cutting access to federal student loans for aspiring professionals is deeply harmful — as the path to an advanced degree would be blocked for many students from important public service fields; and
WHEREAS:
Staffing shortages would increase across the country if students do not have access to federal student loans, which would prevent Americans from receiving vital services; and
WHEREAS:
Shortages and decreased expertise will continue the degradation of our social safety net as well as further erode public trust; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME and other organizations have already challenged the policy, and a federal court temporarily blocked the DOE from applying new regulations.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continues to lobby for this policy to be permanently blocked; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME lobbies for legislation that will make higher education more affordable to strengthen the pipeline of future health care professionals, educators and other public service fields.
SUBMITTED BY:
Benigna Hernandez, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 2712
Robert Holguin, President
AFSCME Local 3511
Council 36
California