PRESS RELEASE
September 29, 2016
Controlling Education Costs
FRESNO—While Donald Trump continued to complain about an imagined conspiracy to tamper with his microphone during the last debate, Hillary Clinton headed to New Hampshire where her one-time rival Bernie Sanders joined to offer his help. Sanders’ appearance centered on the Democratic plan for easing the runaway cost of college and student debt. Clinton’s New College Compact and Debt-Free College Plan will ensure that cost is never a barrier for people seeking to pursue their dreams of higher education and that debt won’t hold them back.
“Education is the key to a better future for every American,” says Michael D. Evans, chair of the Fresno County Democratic Party. “We will lift every boat by making higher education accessible, affordable and debt-free.”
Tuition at in-state public colleges and universities has risen more than 40% in the past 10 years, and outstanding student debt now exceeds $1 trillion. This is a problem in need of an expert and well-crafted solution. Clinton will dramatically cut interest rates on student loans so that government no longer profits. She will enable borrowers to refinance their loans and simplify and expand enrollment in income-based repayment, so that no one ever has to pay more than they can afford.
Budding entrepreneurs can apply to defer student loans with no payment and no interest for up to three years. And because there are many pathways to good jobs beyond a four-year degree, Clinton will also provide tuition-free community college and expanded access to career and skills-based training.
Clinton has published a book on her proposed policies. Trump, on the other hand, has not laid out any comprehensive details on his education strategy. However, we can guess what he would do by looking at the college he designed himself, Trump University. What you get when Trump designs an education system is hopeful students scammed for hundreds of thousands of dollars, receiving substandard lesson plans from unqualified teachers, worthless degrees and advisors instructed to be sure to get student credit card information for additional charges instead of providing actual advice, before the entire organization vanished into lawsuits and financial collapse.
Everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that means addressing the social and economic disparities that stand in the way of people succeeding. Our system too often has stacked the deck for those at the top and has burdened Americans with excessive student debt. To address these problems, our country needs an expert at the helm, not a swindler. That is why our country needs Hillary Clinton.
The Fresno County Democratic Party is united behind Hillary Clinton for President. The official Coordinated Campaign headquarters is at 1035 U Street in downtown Fresno. To volunteer or for more information, contact 559-495-0606 or fresnocountydemocrats@yahoo.com.
