Throughout the COVID 19 Pandemic, federal student loan borrowers are in debt of $1.7 trillion. Despite the extended pause of student loan repayments and interest, many American borrowers are struggling to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic such as job loss and incurred medical expenses. 

Impacts from a labor shortage, an inflated economy, and burdensome debts are already causing concern. We call on lawmakers to vote "yes" on H.R. 2034 Income-Driven Student Loan Forgiveness Act to ensure protection for the most vulnerable who cannot afford their student loan debt. 

Canceling student debt contingent on income will help the millions of borrowers with student loans to stimulate the economy when it is needed most. It will allow borrowers to purchase the necessities their families depend on: food, clothing, shelter, and critical healthcare.

In the long term, income-driven student forgiveness will relieve the financial burden on those who cannot afford their way out of debt and would help prevent or reduce the impacts of an ongoing financial crisis.