FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2022
Contact: Kenny Palmer | press@indivisible.org
Washington, DC — Today, Andrew O’Neill, Associate Director for Economic Justice at Indivisible, issued the following statement following President Biden’s announcement on cancellation of $10 to $20 thousand of student debt:
“Today, President Biden took exactly the kind of bold move to improve the lives of working people that Indivisibles and activists across the country have been calling for. His decision to cancel $10 thousand of student debt for most borrowers not only delivers on a key campaign promise, it demonstrates he understands that broken structures, like the punishing student debt system, place an unfair financial burden on millions of people. Canceling an additional $10 thousand in debt for Pell grant recipients shows his commitment to providing aid to the most vulnerable.
“For too long, working people – and particularly Brown and Black people – have struggled against the consequences of the student debt crisis. While billionaires continue to grow their wealth, Biden's actions here recognize the need for the federal government to serve the rest of us who can't afford yachts and spaceships. As with any public program, it is critical that everyone who qualifies, especially the most vulnerable, actually see the benefits. Complex requirements or inscrutable paperwork should not stand in the way of economic justice. We look forward to learning more about the Biden administration's plan to ensure all eligible borrowers see this desperately needed relief, and that payments do not restart until that relief is delivered.
“We celebrate alongside the borrowers who will feel the relief of some financial breathing room. Whether it's to help afford rent, save for a down payment on a home, or care for their families, canceling this debt will make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions. There is important work ahead to fully undo the student debt crisis and remove financial barriers to higher education. We are grateful to President Biden’s leadership, and he has shown he is committed to his job: serving the American people.”
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ABOUT THE INDIVISIBLE PROJECT
The Indivisible Project (501c3) is a social movement non-profit driven by a vision of a real democracy - of, by, and for the people. Indivisible began in 2016 as a viral guide to resisting Trump’s agenda. Today, the Indivisible movement is a network of thousands of local groups and millions of activists across every state. The Indivisible Project drives campaigns for bold progressive policies, lobbies Congress, and equips activists with tools to build lasting progressive power, everywhere. Together, we fight to defeat the rightwing takeover of American government and build an inclusive democracy.