August 24, 2022

Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on President Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today released the following statement on President Biden’s student loan forgiveness proposal:

“Today, the Biden administration took a major step forward to address the student debt crisis. As is well known, Black borrowers have an average of over $50,000 in debt, almost double the average of White Americans. Millions across the country will now benefit from $10,000 in debt cancellation, an extended payment pause through the end of the year, and most notably, $20,000 in debt cancellation for Pell Grant recipients, who are overwhelmingly Black. This is the culmination of the tireless work of activists, advocates, and organizations fighting for economic justice. 

“While this is great news for millions of students across the country with debt — especially the nearly one million Pell Grant recipients in California — more action is needed to provide relief to borrowers who have been disproportionately overwhelmed with student loan debt as the result of an inequitable education system.

“In Congress, we’ll continue working with the White House to find solutions for equitable economic relief for communities of color and continue to build on this momentum. I applaud the Biden Administration for fulfilling a long awaited promise and making necessary progress. I believe no one should be left behind. We must continue fighting until students everywhere are debt free and everyone has an equal opportunity at the American dream.“