Attorney General Raoul Opposes Federal Rule Limiting Student Loans for Health Care Workers

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of states in opposing a proposed U.S. Department of Education rule that would cap federal student loans for graduate students in nursing, physician assistant, and other health fields, a move critics say could worsen health care worker shortages. The rule would limit higher loan amounts to only certain “professional degrees,” excluding many essential health programs. Raoul and the coalition argue the proposal conflicts with congressional intent, forcing students to seek higher-interest private loans or abandon their studies, and could reduce the supply of trained health care professionals at a time of national shortage. Attorneys general from 21 states and the District of Columbia, along with the governors of Kansas and Kentucky, joined Raoul in submitting comments opposing the rule.