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Written by Democratic Party of Wisconsin   
Wednesday, 08 June 2016 16:50

uwgb-studentsRepublican budget cuts costing UW students and families more.


MADISON - Wisconsin’s student loan debt outlook continues to worsen after steep Republican budget cuts once again resulted in higher campus fees. While Democratic leaders have proposed bold new proposals to tackle the growing student loan debt crisis, Republicans have cut state aid for University of Wisconsin (UW) schools to it’s lowest level in Wisconsin’s history when adjusted for inflation.

“Nearly one million people in Wisconsin owe more than $19 billion in student loan debt,” said Matt Ullsvik, SSDC Executive Director. “Republican budget cuts are only making the problem worse. After more than five years of Republican control, tuition has gone up, fees have gone up, and student loan debt has gone up.”

The chair of the Senate’ higher education committee, Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls), has repeatedly blocked legislation to lower student loan debt and provide relief to families. The Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill which died in her committee would have allowed families to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates just like they can with car loans and home mortgages.

“The misplaced budget priorities of Sen. Harsdorf continue to shift more costs onto families and add to Wisconsin’s $19 billion student loan debt crisis,” added Ullsvik. “After more than 20 years in office, Sen. Harsdorf continues to sell out Wisconsin families to support the powerful special interests behind her political career. Rather than siding with the big Wall Street banks who are blocking reform, we need leaders who will stand up for Wisconsin families and work to protect our top-notch colleges and universities across the state.”

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Sam Erickson contributed to this story.

 
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