Centuries ago if you didn’t pay your debts, you were sent to debtors prison. In 1833, debtors prison was outlawed in the United States. Recently, nineteen states have passed laws to suspend professional licenses of teachers, therapists, nurses, lawyers, firefighters, psychologists, barbers, and real estate brokers etc. Subsequently, when the professional or drivers licenses are suspended, it is impossible to work or drive. Senator Rubio of Florida and Senator Warren of Massachusetts have sought to pass laws to overturn these laws. Hawaii and Iowa have not enforced their laws. Tennessee and Georgia have. As debt levels rise, creditors are taking increasingly tough actions to chase people who fall behind on student loans. Going after professional licenses stands out as especially punitive. In extreme cases, you can file bankruptcy on student loans. If you are unable to repay your student debt, take action today by contacting your creditor and arrange to have your payments reduced if necessary or seek assistance from legal counsel. Student loans cannot be forgiven if you have a history of not making payment or making late payments.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/18/business/student-loans-licenses.html
Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is the Pastor of Andrew Chapel, United Methodist Church on the Northern Neck in Montross, VA. Rev. Dr. Taylor promotes best practices for financial literacy and financial empowerment in the church and leads workshops throughout Northern Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the District Finance Committee. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to Dr. David Taylor, who is also the Director of our church-based free clinic. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. In her leisure time, Rev. Dr. Taylor enjoys traveling, jogging, weightlifting, swimming, yoga, and interior decorating. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rev. Dr. Taylor was born and raised in New York City and recently discovered her ancestral roots in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to David Taylor and they have a son and a daughter. Their daughter is a educator and son is an Active-Duty Senior Seaman in the Navy married with three children. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, writing poetry, crocheting and spending time with her family.