“Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us every day and we need to do all we can to support their efforts.”

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 16 – Police College Loan Forgiveness, by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills:

“I congratulate Sen. Hancock and the Texas Senate for unanimously passing Senate Bill 16, which will aid the recruitment of police officers by offering to help repay student loans for officers who choose to serve in local law enforcement post-graduation.

“Officials at several police departments across the state told me it was sometimes difficult to recruit qualified new officers. When I presented the concept for this program to police officials in Dallas, they were enthusiastic, so we designed a program that could be implemented statewide. This program will help repay college loans for men and women who join a police department after they graduate from college.

“Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us every day and we need to do all we can to support their efforts, including helping to strengthen recruitment tools. As lieutenant governor, I am always proud to stand with the law enforcement community.”