Release: Durbin, Callis Call on Congress to Help Provide a Helping Hand to Those Facing Student Loan Debt

Press Release

As the fall semester begins, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and former Chief Judge and Congressional challenger Ann Callis called on Congress to pass legislation to help the 37 million Americans facing student loan debt during a visit to SIU's Edwardsville campus today.

"A higher education is part of the American dream but student loans are a nightmare for many Americans," said U.S. Dick Durbin. "Congress needs to create an environment that allows the folks who are struggling the ability to manage their student loans the same way they refinance their home and car loans."

Judge Ann Callis, who is running in the 13th Congressional District -- which contains 12 colleges and universities, including major state universities like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, agreed.

"For far too many working families across Illinois, a college education is simply unaffordable," said Judge Callis. "That's why I'm proud to stand with students by fighting to protect Pell Grants and reform school loans to protect students. My opponent, Congressman Davis, broke a campaign promise and hurt students in our district when he voted to cut Pell Grant funding. He also voted to make it harder for students to lower their student loan debt. Students deserve better from their representative."

During the last school year, SIUE administered more than $143 million in financial aid. The average financial aid package for students was $11,950 for those who received assistance.

Source