U.S. Reps. Brain Fitzpatrick and Annie Kuster introduced legislation to provide $25,000 in either student loan debt relief or education benefits to essential workers and their family members. The Opportunities for Heroes Act recognizes the contributions made by workers such as firefighters and first responders, health care providers, grocery store employees and transportation workers to help Americans through the COVID-19 health emergency.
“Our essential workers put their lives at risk every day to make sure the rest of us are safe and healthy,” Fitzpatrick said. “They deserve all of the help we can provide them. By providing the option to help pay their student loans or continue their education, we can give them one less thing to worry about.”
The Opportunities for Heroes Act is supported by the American Health Care Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Transportation Workers Union, American Pharmacists Association, National Grocers Association and NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
