Following an announcement by Governor Cuomo commencing the ‘Get on Your Feet’ loan forgiveness program, Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) commended the initiation of the program and offered his comments on student loan forgiveness programs and how recent college grads living in New York State can apply.

“The ‘Get on Your Feet’ loan forgiveness program is a tremendous opportunity for tens of thousands of college graduates across New York State,” McDonough said. “College debt has skyrocketed over the past decade and many recent graduates are facing debilitating loan payments six months after they graduate, even if they have not found a reasonably-paying job.”

“By investing in our graduates’ futures, we can ease their financial burden and reduce the numbers that end up on programs like Medicaid and food stamps to get by. Furthermore, we are empowering graduates to gain greater financial freedom and become entrepreneurs and business owners, paying the state dividends for years to come.”

The governor’s program is available for qualifying graduates who earned an undergraduate degree from a New York State college or university during or after December 2014, enrolled in the federal Income Based Repayment plan or Pay as You Earn plan and have an adjusted gross income of less than $50,000 per year. For further information, please call 1-888-697-4372; and to apply, please visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/repay-your-loans/repayment-options-assistance/loan-forgiveness-cancellation-and-discharge/nys-get-on-your-feet-loan-forgiveness-program.html.