HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Charles Asmus, a child protective specialist in Montana, told the House State Administration Committee Wednesday that he’ll owe about $190,000 after he gets his doctorate. But, he already has a high caseload and receives low paychecks.
Asmus was one of four testifying in support of House Bill 339, which would repay up to $12,000 of student loan debt over three years for child protective specialists, who investigate reports of child abuse and neglect in the state. He says the aid is a necessary incentive.
“It is critical that our state hires qualified and educated individuals that are going to be in it for the long haul.”
Eric Feaver with the Montana Federation of Public Employees says the bill is a step in the right direction, but only just a step. He says the state should better compensate employees with emotionally distressing jobs.
“We just basically don’t pay our state employees enough to do the work they do. Our expectations are extraordinarily high. Folks who work in critical positions with real people and dangerous and dysfunctional circumstances where abuse is hard to endure. They especially are just not being rewarded through their careers.”
Tim Pierce with the UM Legislative News Service reports, the committee did not immediately vote on the bill.
