LANSING, Mich., Aug. 25, 2022 — The White House announced a plan to cancel up to $20,000 of student loan debt for Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 for individuals making less than $125,000 a year (or couples making less than $250,000). This change will make a real difference in the lives of the 1.4 million Michiganders who have federal student loans. State Rep. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), former deputy director of the Michigan College Access Network, a leading voice in college affordability and access, and the sponsor of two bills in a bipartisan package (House Bills 6262–6267) to protect student borrowers, issued the following statement on the announcement:
“President Biden’s plan to forgive student loan debt is a significant step in the right direction. We know that in our community and across the state, student loan debt can be crippling for individuals, particularly for low-income individuals and people of color. This debt continues to prevent Michiganders from buying their first home, starting a family or buying the car they need to get to work. By implementing legislation protecting student borrowers and investing in programs like Michigan Reconnect, we can continue to provide more low-cost, debt-free educational opportunities. People expect and deserve the chance to access affordable education that leads to quality jobs and a good standard of living.”