ME LD1653

Establishes the Maine Credentialed Workforce Program, administered by the Finance Authority of Maine, to provide student loan repayment assistance to workers in priority occupations identified by the state

Eligible applicants must have received a degree or credential within 5 years, have outstanding student loan debt, and commit to working in a priority occupation in Maine for at least 4 years

Maximum loan repayment is $25,000 per year for up to 4 years, with a total cap of $100,000 or 50% of outstanding eligible student loan debt, whichever is less

Creates the Maine Credentialed Workforce Program Fund as a nonlapsing, interest-earning revolving fund that can receive state, federal, and private contributions

Became law without the Governor's signature on June 17, 2025, with base allocations of $500 for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27