PSUFA, along with a coalition of other PSU organizations, is holding a rally April 4 in conjunction with and in support of the Day of Action for National Student Debt Cancellation.
If we aren’t struggling ourselves from debt, we know someone who is. Student debt in the United States has more than tripled in the past 15 years, from $363 billion in 2005 to more than $1.7 trillion today. The average student debt for a bachelor’s degree is around $29,000 and around $71,000 for a graduate degree.
In order to spread awareness, lower stigma, and illuminate how debt affects our life, we’re asking folks to Share Your Debt Story. We’re asking:
How much debt do you have?
How does this debt affect your life?
What would you do if you had no debt?
These stories can be shared as anonymously as you like. We’ll be sharing them at the event and at a Zoom meeting with Senator Ron Wyden afterward.
The April 4 event will take place on the PSU South Park Blocks at 12 p.m. There will be free food, screen printing, speeches given by student leaders and organizers, as well as suggested forms of action that can be taken in support of the movement.
But wait, there’s more!
That same week, AFT-Oregon is hosting three Student Debt Clinics. These clinics help folks with eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Recent changes to the PSLF program at both the federal and state level have significantly increased the number of folks who are now eligible. These clinics discuss:
Oregon and federal changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and eligibility
Help enrolling in Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Current status of federal student loan payments, and how to apply for income-based repayment
AFT member resources for PSLF and navigating student loan payments: Forgive My Student Debt and Summer: Simplifying student debt
Student Debt Clinics are free to union members and registration is required. The dates are: