Attorney General Jay Jones has joined a multistate lawsuit aimed at stopping recent changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that could affect public servants in Virginia. The lawsuit challenges actions by former President Donald Trump’s administration, which, according to Jones, would prevent certain public servants from receiving student loan forgiveness.
The PSLF program, established in 2007, allows public servants such as teachers, nurses, police officers, lawyers, and social workers to have their federal student loans forgiven after ten years of qualifying payments. Many have depended on this program to continue working in lower-paid but essential public service roles without risking their financial futures.
Attorney General Jay Jones said, “It is not only illegal, but cruel to pull the rug out from under our dedicated public servants who have been diligently repaying their student loans year after year with the promise of relief through loan forgiveness. This is yet another example of the president’s continued attack on public servants, jeopardizing their financial stability and raising costs. As Attorney General I will always fight to protect our workers and keep costs low.”
Jones argues that changing the rules could disrupt the lives of borrowers and increase the number of people falling behind or defaulting on their loans. Currently, about one in four federal student loan borrowers are delinquent or in default. The risk of further defaults could add financial strain for those already struggling with everyday expenses like rent and groceries.
The Office of the Attorney General of Virginia provides legal counsel and representation for state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights throughout the Commonwealth official website. It also supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs official website, delivers consumer protection resources for identity theft and fraud reporting official website, and addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy official website.
The Attorney General’s office continues its work to assist Virginians across all communities with programs focused on upholding public safety, protecting civil rights, supporting victims, and offering legal guidance to state entities official website.
