State Representative Marvin Pendarvis (D-Charleston) filed legislation on Tuesday to remove a provision in state law that prevents people who have defaulted on their student loans from becoming state employees.
“This provision is outdated and illogical,” Pendarvis said. “It doesn't make sense why the state of South Carolina prevents student loan defaulters from working in state government. This disproportionately impacts minority job candidates, who are more likely to carry student debt.”
Pendarvis's bill comes in light of the firing of Deputy Chief Joyce Smith of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office after she allegedly missed student loan payments.
South Carolinians owe a collective $26.2 billion in student loan debt, according to Lending Tree. The average South Carolinian owes over $36 thousand in student loans.
