In a disappointing blow to President Joe Biden’s plans for student loan forgiveness, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority ruled in June that he did not have the authority to cancel student debt for millions of Americans. However, Biden remains undeterred and has swiftly unveiled an alternative plan, aptly named “Biden’s Plan B,” which aims to provide relief to as many as 10 million individuals burdened with student debt. The president is determined to pursue a different path and has already begun exploring his administration’s existing authority to alleviate the student loan crisis. This article delves into Biden’s Plan B, the improvements made to current debt forgiveness programs, and the impact of these measures on young voters.
Exploring Biden’s Plan B
Biden’s Plan B has the potential to significantly reduce the student debt of millions of Americans. With the 2024 presidential election looming and a desire to regain favor with young voters, the administration is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to address the issue. The U.S. Department of Education, under Biden’s direction, has made notable improvements to the government’s current debt forgiveness programs. As a result, over 3.7 million Americans have already received loan cancellation, providing a staggering $136 billion in aid. This commitment to student loan forgiveness is unparalleled among previous administrations, according to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz. Despite these efforts, the White House has remained silent regarding its plans for future student debt relief.
During his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden made a bold promise to voters that he would alleviate a substantial portion of the nation’s student debt. This vow resonated strongly with college students, resulting in record-breaking turnout during the election. Young voters played a pivotal role in securing Biden’s success in key states such as Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. However, the Supreme Court decision proved to be a formidable obstacle, blocking the president from fulfilling his campaign promise. The court ruled that Biden’s proposed $400 billion loan cancellation plan exceeded the executive branch’s power. The administration’s decision to open applications and announce “fully approved” relief to some borrowers further compounded the frustration among young voters who believed their burden would finally be alleviated.
The Impact on Young Voters
Adam Gismondi, director of the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement at Tufts University, highlights the disillusionment that many young voters now feel towards the political process. Gismondi notes that what initially appeared to be a straightforward and achievable policy solution has been complicated by political realities. He cautions that the ultimate effect on young voters by November remains uncertain – whether student loan forgiveness will drive increased voter turnout or further disengagement. While supporters of debt cancellation are unlikely to find a more favorable stance from Biden’s opponents, Republicans have historically opposed such measures. Former President Donald Trump, for instance, viewed Biden’s debt relief efforts as unfair to those who diligently repaid their loans.
The Call for Stronger Action
Despite the progress made in student loan forgiveness, advocates argue that more substantial action is needed to restore the trust of voters. Astra Taylor, co-founder of the Debt Collective, emphasizes the large number of individuals promised debt cancellation – over 40 million – compared to the relatively small proportion who have received some form of relief. Taylor contends that this disparity must be addressed if Biden genuinely wishes to regain the trust of the electorate. On the other hand, Amanda Taylor, a blogger from St. Louis, defends the president, shifting blame to the GOP-led states that challenged Biden’s broad-based student loan forgiveness plan. She contends that Biden is doing everything within his power to fulfill his promise, to the extent that some even accuse him of defying Supreme Court orders.
Sam Berndt, a computer scientist burdened with close to $40,000 in student debt, believes that Biden has yet to exhaust all legal avenues available to him. Berndt asserts that the president possesses additional untapped authority, along with the ability to take stronger action. Disillusioned by the blame placed on Republicans and the Supreme Court, Berndt remains uncertain about his voting decision come November. For the 43 million student loan borrowers in the United States, President Biden is ultimately accountable for their debt relief. It remains to be seen whether he will rise to the occasion and deliver the alleviation that so many desperately need.
Biden’s Plan B offers hope for millions of Americans struggling under the weight of student loan debt. The improvements made to existing debt forgiveness programs and the administration’s commitment to tackling the issue are commendable. However, young voters, who played a crucial role in Biden’s election, are left disappointed by the Supreme Court’s ruling and the slow progress in achieving meaningful relief. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, it is vital for the Biden administration to take concrete steps toward fulfilling his campaign promise and rebuilding the trust of young voters. Only time will tell whether Biden’s Plan B will turn the tide and provide the much-needed relief sought by millions.
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