Issued June 30, 2023
SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision in Biden v. Nebraska:
WASHINGTON – “On the heels of a disastrous decision on affirmative action, the Supreme Court showed once again that the rules of our economy are rigged against working people in striking down President Biden’s urgently needed student debt relief program.
Millions of students and working families have no choice but to take on significant debt to finance their education. The student debt crisis has held back our economy and snatched away the dreams of millions of Americans who find themselves one late payment away from financial disaster. While student debt has a disproportionate impact on people of color and women, who still lag in income due to systemic racism and sexism, it affects millions of Americans of diverse backgrounds, occupations and political affiliations. We have seen the impact on our members working in essential jobs in health, education and childcare, who served on the frontlines during the pandemic with great personal sacrifice. It is past time that we take action and provide them with the economic relief they need and deserve.
Despite the loan forgiveness program blocked by the Court today, the Biden administration has shown great leadership on this issue, including extending the loan repayment pause, easing the rules on Public Service Loan Service Forgiveness and rescuing students defrauded by for-profit colleges. But we need to see more action. It's time for every elected leader in our nation to join us and support working people's call for robust student debt relief.”