Okay, so interest rate cuts for federal student loans were extended for one more year. This is undoubtedly a good thing for America’s students battered by a weak job market, but are the people responsible for these cuts really interested in your future?
The recent student loan bill (which included increased budget for transportation infrastructure) was signed into law after passing a 373-52 vote in the House of Congress and then passing a 74-19 vote in the Senate.
The bill itself was touted as a “bipartisan success” by Republicans and Democrats alike as they both agreed that the need was much more urgent than their differing approaches in remedying America’s bruised economy.
But let us not forget that these two camps have their own interests in winning our approval as well.
Jesse Unruh Institute of Politics director Dan Schnur notes that “More people have college degrees than ever before. A college degree is a prerequisite for more jobs than ever before. And there is an increased sense among voters that a college education is less affordable than ever before.”
Schnur wraps up his discussion by pointing out that these three issues are key components for a political issue.
What is troubling here is how different political groups are using students to further their own interests. Tuition freezes, tax initiatives and varying scholarship bills are being dangled by politicians and political groups to get burdened students and underpaid graduates to support their interests.
It is scary how effective these maneuvers can be.
Political parties want to show that they’re doing something with the student loan crisis hitting America right now. They want to paint themselves as heroes struggling against an exploitative educational system, but let’s not forget that there are always two sides to a coin.
Always check the backgrounds of politicians, especially their past actions and beliefs when it comes to student loans. Take for example a particular presidential hopeful who lambasts the Affordable Care Act while he implemented a similar system in his own state. This might have nothing to do with student loans, but what matters right now is to spot the politicians that are double-talking their way into their voter’s hearts and minds.
After all, you don’t want to vote someone who can’t walk the talk into a position of power.