Blog: Keeping College Affordable & The American Dream Alive

Statement

Dear friend,

Students should graduate from college dreaming about what their future holds and not about more debt. But in just over one month's time, if Congress fails to act, more than 570,000 students in California will see the interest rates on their Stafford Loans double--on average, that's an additional $1,000 piled onto each student's debt. We cannot let that happen.

Today, I held a roundtable at Occidental College with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, the presidents and financial administrators from several of the best schools our state has to offer, and more than a dozen students from southern California. These students shared their stories on how college is preparing them to meet the challenges of tomorrow and become the next generation of leaders in our state. But like many young Americans graduating from college this month, they will first be met with the financial obligation to repay their loans.

If you believe, like I do, that Congress must act to keep the American Dream alive, please make your voice heard. Together, we can provide a little more financial security for our students and prevent this looming interest rate hike.

If you're a student or know of a student in Los Angeles who would suffer the consequences of Congress' inaction, please share your story with me on the Becerra Blog, by tweeting at @RepBecerra with the hashtag #DontDoubleMyRate, posting a comment on my Facebook or Google+ page, and by writing and calling my office.

Sincerely,

XAVIER BECERRA

Member of Congress

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