U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Stands up for Wisconsin Students, Introduces New Legislation to Address Access to Affordable Higher Education
Press Release
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has introduced two bills to address the larger issue of student debt and college affordability. The legislation targets students who work their way through school and students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Baldwin recently traveled across Wisconsin, meeting with students and recent graduates who are struggling with the cost of a higher education.
"Student loan debt is holding back an entire generation and creating a drag on economic growth for our country," said Baldwin. "Making college affordable is one of the most important steps we can take toward building a strong path to the middle class for all Americans. I'm proud to introduce legislation to help ensure that more students, in particular those who work while in school, have the opportunity to earn an affordable higher education, attain important in-demand skills, and succeed in the workforce."
Nearly 40 million Americans have outstanding student loans. According to new data from the Federal Reserve, student loan debt grew by $31 billion from January to March of this year, now totaling $1.2 trillion across the country, making student loan debt the fastest growing household debt category. The rising debt load makes it more difficult for young professionals to purchase homes, automobiles, and other goods, creating a huge drag on the overall economy.
Currently, students who work while attending school often are eligible for less financial aid due to their work income. Baldwin's Working Student Act will allow students that must work while in college to complete their degrees more quickly and with less debt. The new legislation increases the amount working students can earn without that income counting against them in accessing need-based federal financial aid, including Pell Grants. This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and supported by National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), The Institute of College Access and Success (TICAS), DEMOS, the Wisconsin Technical College System, Wisconsin Education Association Council, University of Wisconsin-Madison and One Wisconsin Now.
Source