Write Your Legislators

Subject:

Form Letter Blank Letter

Message:

As a concerned optometry student, I am asking you to co-sponsor HR 1615/S 646, a bill that would amend the Higher Education Act regarding the definition of economic hardship.

I am considering entering a residency training program in optometry and am concerned that I may not be able to manage my high debt load during my residency training period.  Before a 2007 change in law, optometry residents could defer payment on subsidized loans for the duration of their residency training without accruing interest.  However, after June of this year this deferral will be eliminated.  HR 1615/ S 646 would reinstate the former provision of law that was eliminated by Public Law 110-84.

The stipends offered to optometry students are modest yet our student debt is high, averaging $ 120,000.   Without some relief in the form of loan deferment during my residency training, I face a significant hardship throughout my loan repayment period.  Enactment of HR 1615/ S 646 will allow me to pursue my additional training and more easily manage my significant loan debt.

Your support and co-sponsorship of HR 1615/ S 646 will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]