NY Prosecutors, Defenders Push Hochul for Student Loan Aid

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Dozens of district attorneys and public defender groups in New York have sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul requesting that she include increased student loan aid in the state's 2027 budget plan. The request comes as the Trump administration has moved to restrict a longstanding federal assistance program for public service workers.

Why it matters

The letter highlights the bipartisan concern over the potential loss of the federal student loan forgiveness program, which has been a crucial recruitment and retention tool for public sector legal professionals in New York. With the federal landscape around loan repayment options becoming more uncertain, state-level action could help ensure that New York can continue to attract and keep talented prosecutors and public defenders.

The details

The letter, signed by dozens of district attorneys and defender groups, asks Governor Hochul to allocate funds in the 2027 state budget to provide student loan assistance for public sector legal professionals. This request comes as the Trump administration has moved to restrict the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which has helped many prosecutors and public defenders manage their student debt burdens.

• The 2027 New York state budget is due on April 1.

What’s next

Governor Hochul will consider the request from prosecutors and public defenders as she finalizes the 2027 state budget proposal, which must be submitted to the legislature by April 1.