College Students Share Thoughts About Higher Ed, Debt

Yesterday afternoon, as part of her Congress in Your Corner series, U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, held a town hall forum for students at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, according to a press statement.

During the forum, Kuster discussed new legislation she helped introduce to let students refinance their loans at a lower rate, which could significantly reduce the loan burden on Granite State students and their families. Additionally, students and faculty had the chance to share their thoughts and ideas on other ways Congress can work to increase college accessibility and help reduce student loan debt.

“We must increase college affordability for students across America, and I was proud to help introduce a bill to lower loan interest rates for students and their families. During today’s forum, I heard directly from Colby-Sawyer students about why measures like this one are so vitally important,” said Kuster. “Many students cannot access higher education without student loans and substantial outside assistance, and today’s town hall participants shared their thoughts on why Congress must continue to work to increase college affordability and expand educational opportunities. I look forward to bringing their feedback to Washington, and I will never stop fighting on their behalf to increase access to higher education for every aspiring student in New Hampshire.”

At the forum, Colby-Sawyer students spoke about their own experiences, and expressed their thoughts and concerns about numerous proposals to expand access to higher education, such as the Congresswoman’s student loan bill and the President’s plan to provide two free years of community college. Kuster was joined at the town hall by Colby-Sawyer administrators and other higher education professionals, who also shared ideas and resources with the students in attendance.

Kuster has long fought to increase the accessibility and affordability of higher education for students throughout New Hampshire. During the town hall, she discussed her own priorities this legislative session, including increased efforts in Congress to help American families save for their children’s college tuition. She also discussed the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, the bill she helped introduce in March that would allow students to refinance their student loans at a lower rate. Kuster routinely holds roundtables and forums across the state to hear directly from Granite State students about how she can best support their success in Congress, and she will continue to meet with other students at schools across the Second District.