gsmith18ahsgov-blog

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Infographic

Amselem, Mary Clare. “Free Tuition Hurts Students, Taxpayers.” The Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org/education/commentary/free-tuition-hurts-students-taxpayers.

“College Access and Affordability: USA vs. the World.” Value Colleges, 1 Nov. 2016, www.valuecolleges.com/collegecosts/.

“Opinion | Free Tuition Is Not the Answer.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 21 Dec. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/opinion/free-tuition-is-not-the-answer.html.

“U.S. Student Loan Debt Statistics for 2018.” Student Loan Hero, Student Loan Hero, studentloanhero.com/student-loan-debt-statistics/.

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Civic Action Assessment of the Issue

1. My role as a citizen is to take part through voting and volunteering as well as to do research/stay up to date on current events and politics. I also think my role is to be a skeptic and not believe everything you see on the news but rather do the research and find out for yourself.

2. I’ve learned a lot about civic action through this government class especially about the broad range of issues that you need to research to be an informed citizen on especially when it comes to voting and focusing your efforts in terms of voicing your opinion and volunteering. 

3. I don’t feel it is my personal obligation to address this issue, because I feel there are a handful of other issues that I would prioritize over it. I also don’t feel its my obligation because it is not an issue that effects the U.S. population as a whole, unless your solution to the issue is to raise taxes on everyone to help ease student debt, which I don’t agree with.

4. I have not directly volunteered or carried out any form of public education in regards to my issue.

5. In the future I would be willing to give my vote to certain solutions to this issue that don’t pass a burden of tax onto every U.S. citizen. I also would love to support legislation on the state level to regulate the tuition rates of colleges and increase oppurtunities for work study programs as well as scholarships.

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The 3P Assessment: Parties, Political Interest Groups, and PACs

1. A/B (GOP)- I couldn’t find an explicit position on student debt, but rather an attacking of democrats plan for student debt, on the grounds that it would increase taxes tremendously. This wouldn’t be a strong position to fight for the GOP as they don’t plan to give free hand outs to everyone like the democrats want, not considering the stress on taxpayers this would cause. I agree with this position as I don't every agree with increases in our already high taxes unless there is a direct benefit to everyone or at least another very good reason.

(Democrats)- State that their current position is to decrease student loan rates as well as create a program based on income to reduce debt for those already struggling with student debt. I agree with the aspect of decreasing student loan rates, however completely disagree with the income based repayment plan as it rewards those who waste their education pursuing careers with low pay.

(Libertarian)- I could not find a position on student debt although I would infer that the libertarian party would take a position of not getting involved at least on the federal level with this issue, as they push for limited government. I agree with a lot of their positions on limited government as the federal government has grown way past its given powers and I also agree student debt might not be an issue which should reach the federal level due to the disproportionate levels of student debt in different states or economic areas.

(Green)- Green Party takes the position of forgiving all student loan debts and making college tuition free. I agree with this in principle as it would always be nice to attend college for free, but realistically this is not a possibility because of the sheer mount of increase to our taxes that would be necessary to carry this out.

(Peace and Freedom)- Similar to the Green Party, peace and freedom party wants to end college tuition and forgive student loans. They also refer to themselves as the feminist socialist party. For the same reasons as above I do not agree with this stance. 

c. I agree most with the libertarian parties stance, although ending/forgiving student debt sounds great, it would rather be transferring the burden of debt onto all taxpayers, regardless of their benefit from this system. This also aligns itself with the Republican Party as they refuse to raise taxes for this free education policy left wing parties pursue. Not very surprising and I choose to keep my presidential opinions and voting preferences to myself.

2. A- United States Student Association

B-"USSA believes that education is a right and should be accessible for any student regardless of their socio-economic background and identity. We believe people who are affected directly by issues of access to higher education should be the ones identifying the solutions that make education accessible to them. Therefore, USSA is dedicated to training, organizing, and developing a base of student leaders who are utilizing those skills to engage in expanding access to higher education and advancing the broader movement for social justice."

C- Immigration Reform, Systematic Barriers, Profiting of Universities, Free Public College, Living Wage. Basically this interest group is supposedly about students and giving them a voice but seems to follow the exact platform of the Democratic Party.

D- endorses Robin Hood and Free Education Plan, two pieces of legislation trying to reform higher education at the cost of the taxpayer.

E-Located in Washington DC however have a Bay Area office in Oakland local meetings at college campuses, however could not find a specific date.

F- There are volunteer opportunities in the form of starting a branch at a college campus or through marching/conventions and other forms of action.

G- Didn’t find anything interesting about this group except for the fact that it markets itself as a student run organization then matches the platform of the Democratic Party.

3. A- California State Student Association

B-"CSSA provides a collective voice for CSU students to the state government, the California State University system, and other state boards and commissions. Our representatives work to carry out the association’s mission by advocating to elected/appointed officials and engaging their peers on important issues. Each year, CSSA identifies a Policy Agenda, which outlines the organization’s primary priorities for federal, state, and university issues. Our policy agenda is driven by the three core principles of the association’s mission: access, affordability, and quality."

C- After looking through the website, I couldn’t find 5 specific things to list but got the notion that this interest group actually stays true to their specialty and type of issue when it comes to lobbying unlike the previous. For the most part the CSSA only sponsors or puts out recommendations for bills that directly deal with the life and accessibility of education to Californians and current students. This can be seen with the College hunger bills they cosponsor currently in the California state assembly.

D-AB 970, The Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act is seen as one of their biggest accomplishments and was passed in 2012, they currently cosponsor a handful of other bills and sponsor one.

E- The advocacy group is located in Sacramento, making sense as it is the capital of California.

F- There are opportunities including their annual summit.

G- Their website didn’t have anything else too interesting, however found it interesting that the State public system and the UC system both have their one advocacy groups instead of one together.

4. The two interest groups vary greatly, as the CSSA actually only deals and advocates for issues regarding cal state university students while the USSA has a position on every issue it seems. Also the CSSA was much more upfront with the bills they sponsor, cosponsor, and support, where as the USSA seemed to be a tool using students for other political issues not just ones regarding tuition/debt or that directly influence them.

5. A- Student Debt Reform PAC

B- Super PAC was created by a Depaul University student and advocates for awareness and action in reforming our education systems and the debt acquired through pursuing higher education.

C- Raised $608, spent $463, and another $113 on independent expenditures.

D- Doesn’t specify any party donations as the super PAC didn’t raise any real money.

E- Doesn’t specify any donors as this PAC started by a college kid raised less than $1000 and didn't have any donations over $200.

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Executive Action Assessment of Student Debt

1. President Trump is all for creating more access to education specifically targeting STEM majors. In one executive action he has set a policy to target funding and scholarships to computer science and STEM majors specifically. However no where does he have a specific policy on student debt relief.

2. I agree with his position as I think the most important area of education to fund is STEM and computer science to keep on pace with the technology revolution and compete with other nations. He also did this using existing funds and not increasing taxes on everyone which I strongly support.

3. Department of Education manages my issue.

4. Our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. This relates to my issue as it deals with ensuring equal access to federal loans and other financial routes to achieving higher education.

5. Program that relates to my issue would be the federal student loans, as the debt received from these loans as well as private student loans are the root of the issue of student debt. 

6. In President Trump’s plan, no funding is cut to my department but rather reallocating already given funds to specific targeted majors which promote the growth of technology and its advancement in our country. I am satisfied with the targeting of the certain majors as I feel it reflects the direction of our country. However none of the approaches would specifically resolve my issue as they don’t directly decrease student debt. A decrease of funding to the department of education would negatively effect my issue as it would decrease the amount of funding to scholarships and possibly to student loan programs which would limit access to education and cause a rise in the necessity of private student loans which typically have higher interest rates. 

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Legislative Action

1. Congressman Desaulnier- is for reducing student debt and has introduced a bill to reduce interest rates for students easing the financial burden on students. This is fitting as he is on the Education board.

Senator Harris-  holds a very similar position and states that one of her most immediate issues is making higher education more affordable and accessible for everyone. However I could not find any bills she has personally sponsored dealing with student debt.

Senator Feinstein- also holds a similar position trying to support students, and has supported bills to allow student to refinance their loans at lower interest rates, however could not find any bills she has personally sponsored dealing with the issue.

2. There are multiple bills pertaining to my issue, over 20 bills. Most recent bill is bill #214. The bill pushes to lower tuition costs and interest rates on student loans to promote higher education and make it more affordable. This bill if passed will make college a lot more affordable for everyone.  I would vote yes, unless the bill requires a increase in taxes. The bill originated in the house and was reviewed by the house committee of education. It is currently in the house as they have yet to vote on it. I’m satisfied with the legislation as I don’t think any legislation should be rushed, however this particular bill seems to be standing still.

3. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/student-debt-hurts-whole-economy-so-why-trump-making-problem-ncna873111

Subject is the effect of student debt on the economy. The author is Alex Goldstein. The context is coming from a reporter analyzing the impact of the of student debt on the current and future generations and how that effects the U.S. economy. I do agree with the article as student debt does have a big impact on the economy and creates a financial burden at a young age. However I don’t agree with raising taxes in order to try and bail out people who are in over their heads in debt.

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State Action

1. Steve Glazer, has consistently advocated for and expanded higher education opportunities in California, as well as calling for a tuition freeze for UC’s and CSU’s. 

I agree with Steve Glazer’s position, as he has taken action against increased tuitions, however he has not taken direct action in relieving student loan debt but that also is likely because he doesn’t have the direct power to do so and because it wouldn’t make financial sense compared with some of the other uses of tax payer money which benefit a larger population of people. Steve has not sponsored any bills directly relating to my issue.

I was unable to find any information regarding Catherine Baker’s position on student loan debt.

The Honorable Catherine Baker,

The issue I am concerned about is student loan debt.  I am concerned about this issue because of the direct impact it has on students and all those seeking a higher education which is often required in our specialized economy. I am currently a senior at Acalanes High School and I am researching this issue for my senior Government class.  Please clarify your stance on this issue.  Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Grant Smith

grant.smith18@auhsdschools.org

2. The bill number is AB-379. The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Gomes on February 9, 2017. The most recent action was that the bill died, pursuant to Article IV of the constitution. I felt the bill was a good idea, although it could be seen as unevenly benefitting the lower class, and those who pursue degrees with lower salaries, even though it did aim to create a program to aid recent graduates who were making less than $50k a year pursuant to a few other qualifications. 

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Constitutional Issues

1. United Student Aid Funds Inc. v. Espinosa

2. 2009-2010, decided on March 23, 2010

3. Espinosa filed for chapter 13 bankruptcy including a plan to pay off student debt to Funds, however Funds wanted a sum 4,500 greater than the courts, however the court ordered the plan. After paying off the agreed amount on the plan set out by the court, Funds further withdrew money from Espinosa’s income tax return.

4. first- Does the procedure by which a debtor merely includes the discharge of his student loans in his Chapter 13 plan, which is then mailed to the creditor, sufficient to meet the requirements of due process? second- Are Chapter 13 plans that discharge student loans void if the debtor fails to prove "undue hardship" in an adversary proceeding?

5. 14th amendment due process.

6. Unanimous decision that yes, discharge of student debt loans in his chapter 13 plan is sufficient for due process and no, discharge of student loans is not void if the debtor fails to prove undue hardships.

7. This decision sets a precedent that chapter 13 bankruptcy and court plans are sufficient for due process and that the debtor doesn't need to prove undue burden.

8. For the most part I agree with the decision because I felt that Funds Inc, taking money out of his tax return after already paying off the debts is not correct. However I feel there still needs to be some necessary proof of undue burden in order to forfeit loans, because it can potentially become a loop hole otherwise.

SACAPS-

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/02/lets-cancel-everyones-student-debt-for-the-economys-sake.html

Subject- Instead of tax cuts using the $1.5 trillion on getting rid of student debt.

Author- Eric Levitz

Context- New York magazine, writing from left

Intended Audience- Young adults experiencing student debt and generally everyone

Bias/perspective- Coming from a left perspective trying to bring in the new tax cuts, but also calling for a solution to student debt.

Significance- Calling attention to the $1.4 trillion in student debt in the U.S. 

I don’t agree with not having a tax cut over paying off all U.S. student debt, because I believe the tax cut benefits everyone where as the student debt pay off would disproportionally benefit people and not influence another huge percent of the population. Also it would do nothing to solve the problem as the money would just pay off current debt and have no influence over the future debt that will be built up.

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Economic Assessment of Student Loan Debt

1. Individuals and Families are the main people affected by student loan debt, as they are forced to shoulder the debt in order to receive education which is often necessary to get jobs in the United States’ highly specialized economy.

2. Some may argue that erasing student debt is a need, in reality it falls under the want category more accurately because in many ways its a choice to take on debt and choose which school to attend and what you can afford.

3. An increase of government spending/funding of universities and scholarships would be necessary. Also would have to limit the cost of tuition for institutions as well as lowering the rates on student loans would all be necessary measure to start combatting student loan debt. 

4. Capital would be the biggest factor of production necessary to alleviate this issue, but increase in entrepreneurship and labor could increase income and help with the debt.

5. Some political incentive to resolve the issue because it would gain support for the candidate, however student loans can be profitable for some private lenders which would oppose ending student loans. Ending students loans could  provide a fresher start for people entering the work force and an economic advantage but also would hurt lenders who profit from student loans.

6. One opportunity cost of aiding in student loan debt would be other government spending that could’ve been done with the money, which could have been put to better use. Solving student loan debt would require increases in taxes which could cause an opportunity cost of jobs and individuals spending.

7. I believe the amount of money necessary to resolve this issue would make it very hard to follow through on because of the spikes in taxes that would be necessary. However some of the economic advantages this could provide may out way the opportunity costs.

8. Yes, universities profit from high tuition rates, and private student loan companies profit from the high interest loans they provide to students. 

9. Individuals who have student loans, and students in general would benefit as they would see a lower cost of education.

10. Potentially an externality of direct government funding of education and the increase in potential earnings with a college degree compared to high school diploma.

11. This issue could be solved through transfer payments or subsidiaries, with more funding from the federal government to state run universities and also an increase in scholarship money, however these options would lead to an increase in taxes.

12. 

Subject- disproportionate affect of student loan debt on the middle and lower classes.

Author- Huffington Post

Context- within an article discussing the economic issues and effects relating to student loan debt.

Audience- readers of the Huffington post, possibly middle and lower class students/parents.

Perspective- This article has a bias that student loans disproportionately affects the middle and lower classes.

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Blog Post #1 Getting Started

One blog I was able to locate involving Student Loans was studentaidtips101-blog, which provides tips and advice to representing yourself and not being taken advantage of by student debts. Also, how to find loan resources not requiring a cosigner. The context of the blog is from the perspective of someone who has experienced the process and is providing advice to those who may be going through the same thing or are considering taking out student loans.The intended audience is college or high school age students looking to be more informed on student loans before taking them out themselves. This blog lacks a political bias, as it is factual in nature, although one can deduce that the author is likely against the student loan process. The main significance of the article is to inform young adults preparing themselves for college and the financial burden they can be left with. The blog was informative and following it could be beneficial however it was a single post and doesn’t seem to be frequently updated with new and relevant information so I would prefer to dig for some better blogs before committing a follow.

I found six people that seemed relevant to follow on twitter for my campaign for student debt relief.

@usedgov - U.S. Department of Education

@FAFSA - Federal Student Aid

@StuAidAlliance

@kickstudentdebt

@StuDebtSurvivor

@StudentDebtRlf

Most of the material I was able to find on the subject was advice or tips and not necessarily politically charged. I think more research into advocacy and lobbying groups against student loans will be required to find more separation on the issue. Also, with the current President the budget for the Department of education has been lowered which could have impacts on financial aid and student loans in the coming years.