Memphis becomes the first municipality to offer financial assistance to their employees paying down student loans. As a result, the Memphis government recognized that they can help to reduce the social costs of this debt and that student loan debt is reaching epic proportions. At a time when the federal government is questioning the future of student loan forgiveness programs, the Memphis government goes against the grain by offering something no other municipality can.
The reasoning? Simple. Recruit young talent, retain employees and help former students grapple with student loans. Starting July 1st, all Memphis government employees will be eligible to receive assistance in paying off their loans. All employees that have worked for the Memphis government for one year will receive $50 per month towards their student loans. Not only does this positively affect their ability to attract talent, it may also prove to have a lasting effect on the economy of the city.
Studies have shown that millennials and older generations that have amassed large amounts of debt delay: 1) home purchases, 2) starting a family, and 3) many other major life decisions (retirement savings, career moves - heck, even the choice of eating out or staying in!). All of these decisions can have a negative impact on the economy; especially when an entire generation is forced to spend their disposable income on student loans, rather than local businesses that can spur economic growth and job creation. Memphis and a small group of other organizations understand this will be the result as they attract future leaders of the city all while driving future economic growth!
It is our hope that more municipalities, cities and organizations alike take note of programs such as this one; established to attract, retain and enhance their employee's lives. BYE Student Debt is a huge supporter of these initiatives as we stand by our goal to eliminate student loan debt for millions of Americans.
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If you are working for one of these municipalities, we would love to work with you on a more in-depth basis to help your employees conquer their student loan debt. Please contact byeloandebt@gmail.com for more info.
For those in cities or with companies that do not have programs like this, you are not alone! BYE Student Debt can help you get control of your situation regardless of your local government’s policy.