An Act To Modify the Maine Dental Education Loan Program

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the Maine Dental Education Loan Program is limited to 3 combined awards annually and an aggregate of 12; and

Whereas,  money in the program is currently sufficient to fund additional awards; and

Whereas,  that money could be awarded in 2009 but for the current limitation and, if the limitation were eliminated in time to make awards to eligible students entering dental school in 2009, more students could benefit; and

Whereas,  there is an urgent need in the State of Maine for additional dentists practicing primary dentistry, which this program addresses by providing financial support for dental students and certain dental practitioners; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §12302, sub-§1,  as repealed and replaced by PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. E, §1, is amended to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill allows the Finance Authority of Maine to make more than 3 loans or loan repayment agreements annually under the Maine Dental Education Loan Program if funds permit.