“As I announced on April 24, 2003, the U.S. Department of Education has a loan forgiveness program for teachers employed at low-income schools,” the Congressman said.  “H.R. 428 amends this program by increasing the amount authorized to be waived for mathematics, science, and special education teachers.”

         “At present, teachers who are employed in ‘low-income’ areas are eligible to have $5,000 of their student loans forgiven.  H.R. 438 would increase this amount to $17,500 for those who teach mathematics, science, and special education.”

         “I have always believed that a good education is crucial to our children’s development as individuals and as members of this community,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “H.R. 438 will be instrumental in facilitating our ability to provide our children with quality teachers who are well educated and committed to teaching.  It is my hope that the Senate will also pass this bill and that in the future we will be able to extend this increased amount to all teachers.”

         “Once again, I want encourage all qualifying elementary and high school teachers who are teaching in low income schools to take advantage of existing law which allows for $5,000 of their student loans to be forgiven.  Currently there are 37 schools in American Samoa designated as low-income and a list of program eligibility requirements and application directions may be found at the U.S. Department of Education’s website at http://www.edu.gov.  You may also contact my office in Washington D.C. or Utulei and I will be happy to assist you,” the Congressman concluded.