Off to College?
Statement
In millions of homes across the country -- including mine -- parents are sending their sons and daughters off to college. I was the first in my family to attend a university, and I know just how far it can take you.
Growing up, I watched my father work his hands to the bone helping to build California's roads and highways. It was backbreaking work. My mother worked two jobs, one in and the other outside the house. My parents gave their all so that my sisters and I could secure a good education and build a better life. With a college degree, I was able to achieve my dreams -- and even had the chance to introduce my mother and father to the President of the United States.
Today, the skyrocketing cost of tuition has put college out of reach for many of our brightest young people. And it's burdening millions with crushing debt. In fact, over 40 million Americans collectively carry over $1.2 trillion in student loan debt. That's not just a burden on borrowers -- it's a dead weight on our economy.
This is no way to build a middle class in the 21st century, and it's up to us to kick the doors of opportunity open once again. That's why Democrats in Congress have been fighting for smart solutions like allowing students to refinance their college loans at today's historically low interest rates. Yet, the Republicans who control the House of Representatives refuse to give our proposals a simple up-or-down vote.
So, what are Republican leaders proposing? They've voted, year after year, to eliminate Pell Grants for more than a million students from low-income families. That would mean adding even more debt onto the backs of college students -- benefitting the banks lending the money and only adding to the problem instead of fixing it.
Our brightest young people should be out there taking smart risks like starting new businesses and pursuing their dreams -- not consumed by the need to pay massive monthly loan bills.
By making smart investments and setting the right priorities, we can once again make college affordable for every student willing to work hard and study hard. College loan refinancing, stronger Pell grants, college retention programs, HOPE middle class tax credits -- these are investments I'm fighting for.
I hope you'll join me in that fight to rebuild the middle class.
Thank you for your support,
Xavier
Source