FISHERS, In. Nov. 11, 2009—Joined by various community leaders and state and local elected officials, Sallie Mae—the nation’s leading saving, planning and paying for education company—today announced the results of a community-led effort to protect local jobs in Indiana and options for students. Over the past month, more than 80,000 county and state residents signed the “Protect Indiana Jobs” petition, voicing their concern about legislation in Congress that jeopardizes local jobs.

The total number of petition signatures, 81,437, was revealed at a town hall event at Sallie Mae’s Fishers facility amidst hundreds of Sallie Mae employees. Sallie Mae has had a presence in Indiana for more than 40 years serving more than 20 million students and families and more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the country. The company employs more than 2,300 Hoosiers between its two facilities located in Fishers and Muncie.

“For decades, Sallie Mae has done great work to support millions of students and families and that is felt right here in Central Indiana through employment opportunities and economic development,” said Scott Faultless, President, Fishers Town Council. “With unemployment in our region at more than 10 percent, these are jobs we can’t afford to lose.”

Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would require all federal student loans to be originated by the federal government, jeopardizing hundreds of private sector jobs in Indiana and hampering related economic development in the state. Sallie Mae currently contributes more than $148 million annually to the local economy and has contributed millions to local charities.

With legislation now under consideration in the U.S. Senate, the community-led petition asks Indiana’s Senators to support alternative proposals that would accomplish the President’s goals of making college more affordable while also preserving quality local jobs relied on by families and communities and valuable services for students.

“The response from the community has been incredible,” said Jon Kroehler, Senior Vice President, Sallie Mae. “Our local leaders, our families, our friends, our neighbors; more than 80,000 concerned citizens want our Senators to understand the economic impact of these jobs and the valuable services we provide students and families every day.”

Consistent with the President’s reform proposal, the Community Proposal, an alternative plan supported by Sallie Mae and a broad coalition, would eliminate lender subsidies and have federal ownership of all student loans, generating $87 billion in mandatory federal budget savings to increase student aid and preserve options and services for students.

For more information on the “Protect Indiana Jobs” petition campaign or to learn more about the community’s alternative proposal to make college more affordable, please visit www.ProtectIndianaJobs.com.

For more information contact:
Rick Castellano (703) 984-5535