As volunteer firefighter ranks shrink across New York, Rep. Dan Goldman is pushing a bill to help reverse the trend, according to Spectrum News. His proposal would extend federal student loan forgiveness to volunteer firefighters and EMTs who serve for at least 10 years and make 120 qualifying payments.
With numbers dropping from 120,000 to around 80,000 volunteers over two decades, local departments face mounting pressure amid rising call volumes and complex emergencies. Goldman says the bill not only honors public service but offers a powerful incentive for recruitment and retention.
Supporters argue it’s not “forgiveness” but an investment in a vital workforce that saves taxpayers billions annually. Still, the bill faces an uphill battle in a divided Congress, where broader student debt relief remains contentious.
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