Ford Measure to Repeal Punishing Anti-Borrower Student Loan Rules Passes the House

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect student loan borrowers amid rising uncertainty and a rapidly increasing cost of living, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is moving forward with a measure that eliminates punitive rules for state employees who default on their student loans.

“At a time when Washington is deprioritizing education and dismantling social safety nets, we cannot sit by while hardworking people lose their livelihoods because of financial hardship,” said Ford. “The law as it is written today disproportionately harms lower-income state employees and undermines the government’s ability to recover repayment when those in default lose their jobs.”

Ford’s House Bill 4687 passed the House with unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans, reflecting a shared understanding of the harm caused by the current law, which stems from the more than 30-year-old Education Loan Default Act.

Between 2009 and 2025, the cost of attending a public university in Illinois has risen more than 66%, placing additional strain on students and families.

In addition, according to research from The Century Foundation, the share of borrowers facing default is projected to rise from about 9.2% in 2019 to 25% in 2026. Ford’s measure would provide relief by ending the practice of terminating state employees who fall into default.

“The current law does not make sense,” said Ford. “If someone is struggling to pay a bill, taking away their job only makes it harder for them to pay it. I’m proud to see this common-sense measure advance, and I will continue to fight for real relief and affordability for my residents.”

House Bill 4687 passed the House on Tuesday and now awaits committee assignment in the Senate.