Zenzinger’s Bill to Save Educators Money, Address Teacher Shortage Passes Committee

HB23-1001 aims to save teachers money and expand the educator workforce

DENVER, CO – The Senate Education Committee today passed Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, legislation to save teachers money by expanding the pool of student educators who qualify for loan forgiveness and stipend programs.

HB23-1001 builds upon last year’s work to save student educators money by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs.

“Too many teachers have to get a second or third job to make ends meet. By breaking down financial barriers to becoming a teacher, we can get more teachers into classrooms,” said Zenzinger. “This bill will address our educator shortage by saving teachers money through loan forgiveness and stipend programs. I’m proud of our work to invest in our teachers, improve our schools, and better prepare our students for success.” 

The legislation includes more than $52 million in federal pandemic relief funds for the student educator stipend program, the educator test stipend program, and the temporary educator loan forgiveness program made possible through HB22-1220.

HB23-1001 now heads to the Senate floor. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.