Stimulate the Economy -- Forgive Student Loans!
Target:
President Barack Obama
Sponsored by:
Over the past twenty years, student loan debt in the United States has more than doubled. We are now graduating students with a marvelous skill set as well as a mountain of debt. If we were to take our tax dollars and invest them in paying off student loan debt in this country, we would be investing in our future and in ourselves. Many individuals and families pay more than a third of their monthly income to student loan debt. If we free up this earned income by paying off debt, our educated masses in this country could create new businesses, invest in homes, and become a foundation for the new economy. This will have a much deeper positive impact on all Americans than handing bailouts to corporations who have no impetus to invest in this country.
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Over the past twenty years, student loan debt in the United States has more than doubled. We are now graduating students with a marvelous skill set as well as a mountain of debt. If we were to take our tax dollars and invest them in paying off student loan debt in this country, we would be investing in our future and in ourselves. Many individuals and families pay more than a third of their monthly income to student loan debt. If we free up this earned income by paying off debt, our educated masses in this country could create new businesses, invest in homes, and become a foundation for the new economy. This will have a much deeper positive impact on all Americans than handing bailouts to corporations who have no impetus to invest in this country.
Please join our Facebook Group for more information and discussion of this important issue:
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=58440324477&ref=mf
Please join our Facebook Group for more information and discussion of this important issue:
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=58440324477&ref=mf
We the Undersigned are writing to you to ask for a real economic stimulus plan for America.
Hundreds of billions of our tax dollars have been given to Wall Street and other corporations in hopes of "jump starting" the economy. We want to see our tax dollars going directly to Main Street rather than routed through Wall Street.
Americans are increasingly saddled with debt. Chief among this debt is student loan debt. We provide the best education in the world in our colleges and universities, but we leave our graduates at a severe disadvantage as they leave our institutions with a degree and a mountain of debt. This debt inhibits many of these young people from achieving their dreams and making productive contributions to America and the American economy.
We ask you to consider a relief package for student loan debtors. By forgiving student loan debt, we can invest in our future and save our economy. Families pay upwards of a third to half of their monthly incomes trying to pay down student loan debt. If this real wealth was freed, our educated masses could spend that money by creating new businesses, which would in turn create new jobs. Freed from debt, these families could also begin to invest in themselves by purchasing homes and land. This would infuse our economy with real wealth that would benefit all sectors not just the wealthy few on Wall Street.
We ask you to make a real investment in America. We ask you to truly stimulate this economy. We ask you to use our tax dollars to relieve the burden of student debt and allow our graduates to truly use their education to give back to this great country.
Thank you for bringing hope to America. Now, let us help you turn that hope into a brighter future.
Hundreds of billions of our tax dollars have been given to Wall Street and other corporations in hopes of "jump starting" the economy. We want to see our tax dollars going directly to Main Street rather than routed through Wall Street.
Americans are increasingly saddled with debt. Chief among this debt is student loan debt. We provide the best education in the world in our colleges and universities, but we leave our graduates at a severe disadvantage as they leave our institutions with a degree and a mountain of debt. This debt inhibits many of these young people from achieving their dreams and making productive contributions to America and the American economy.
We ask you to consider a relief package for student loan debtors. By forgiving student loan debt, we can invest in our future and save our economy. Families pay upwards of a third to half of their monthly incomes trying to pay down student loan debt. If this real wealth was freed, our educated masses could spend that money by creating new businesses, which would in turn create new jobs. Freed from debt, these families could also begin to invest in themselves by purchasing homes and land. This would infuse our economy with real wealth that would benefit all sectors not just the wealthy few on Wall Street.
We ask you to make a real investment in America. We ask you to truly stimulate this economy. We ask you to use our tax dollars to relieve the burden of student debt and allow our graduates to truly use their education to give back to this great country.
Thank you for bringing hope to America. Now, let us help you turn that hope into a brighter future.
We signed the "Stimulate the Economy -- Forgive Student Loans!" petition!
# 53,119:
10:54 am PST, Nov 7,
Kristian H, California
# 53,117:
9:18 am PST, Nov 7,
Name not displayed, Massachusetts
# 53,116:
9:03 am PST, Nov 7,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 53,115:
8:51 am PST, Nov 7,
Christena Stephens, Texas
Forgiving student loans would great for so many of us who are struggling to make ends meet. I dread when I will begin to start making my payments on my loans. Personally, my thoughts on this matter were you forgive our loans, we give back to the community where we live in in some fashion through volunteer work. I know I would rather spend a few hours a week or a month volunteering for a needy cause in America than paying back a tremendous debt that seems will only benefit the loan company. Our educations could be put to better use to help our nation and local communities - not put us in financial danger and ruin.
Forgiving student loans would great for so many of us who are struggling to make ends meet. I dread when I will begin to start making my payments on my loans. Personally, my thoughts on this matter were you forgive our loans, we give back to the community where we live in in some fashion through volunteer work. I know I would rather spend a few hours a week or a month volunteering for a needy cause in America than paying back a tremendous debt that seems will only benefit the loan company. Our educations could be put to better use to help our nation and local communities - not put us in financial danger and ruin.
# 53,114:
8:00 am PST, Nov 7,
Name not displayed, Florida
My student loan payments have kept me from being able to buy a new. much needed car, they have kept me from being able to save for a home of my own and kept me from little things like entertainment
My student loan payments have kept me from being able to buy a new. much needed car, they have kept me from being able to save for a home of my own and kept me from little things like entertainment
# 53,113:
7:55 am PST, Nov 7,
Tania Stoose, Florida
I graduated Suma Cum Laude in May '09. This was possibly the worst time to graduate in the last 15 yrs due to the severely depressed market. It is now November and I still have not found a job that I can survive on thus I am still working at a restaurant, scrapping by. It is also 6 months after I graduated which means I will have to begin repaying my student loans this month which will be an additional expense of $250/month. I don't make enough to afford this, but I make just enough to not qualify for a deferment. It amazes me that in the rest of the developed 1st world, governments provide higher education to their citizens FREE or for a severely discounted price. In America, higher education is a thriving industry making millions on the backs of the youth who struggle for years after trying to repay their debt. A debt incurred to BETTER themselves and ultimately this country for an educated workforce equals a nation that has the brain power to compete with the rest of the world. Due to the current economy I am competing for entry level positions with people who have Masters Degrees and several years experience, and now I have to cough up another $250/month?? There is something seriously wrong with this picture.
I graduated Suma Cum Laude in May '09. This was possibly the worst time to graduate in the last 15 yrs due to the severely depressed market. It is now November and I still have not found a job that I can survive on thus I am still working at a restaurant, scrapping by. It is also 6 months after I graduated which means I will have to begin repaying my student loans this month which will be an additional expense of $250/month. I don't make enough to afford this, but I make just enough to not qualify for a deferment. It amazes me that in the rest of the developed 1st world, governments provide higher education to their citizens FREE or for a severely discounted price. In America, higher education is a thriving industry making millions on the backs of the youth who struggle for years after trying to repay their debt. A debt incurred to BETTER themselves and ultimately this country for an educated workforce equals a nation that has the brain power to compete with the rest of the world. Due to the current economy I am competing for entry level positions with people who have Masters Degrees and several years experience, and now I have to cough up another $250/month?? There is something seriously wrong with this picture.
# 53,112:
7:50 am PST, Nov 7,
Matt Stutzman, Idaho
I think this is a great idea. Think how much consumer spending will increase if those with student loans had $200, $300, or more dollars a month to spend, save, or invest. This would not only help those with student loans but businesses that are seeing lower sales.
I think this is a great idea. Think how much consumer spending will increase if those with student loans had $200, $300, or more dollars a month to spend, save, or invest. This would not only help those with student loans but businesses that are seeing lower sales.
# 53,111:
7:14 am PST, Nov 7,
Jane McCay, Texas
I am behind this 100%! I think that the impact from this proposal would be beyond anything the we could expect. The economy would most likely have a complete turn around in a less time than anything esle suggested. Please senators and congressmen help the middle class by actually doing something to help us!
I am behind this 100%! I think that the impact from this proposal would be beyond anything the we could expect. The economy would most likely have a complete turn around in a less time than anything esle suggested. Please senators and congressmen help the middle class by actually doing something to help us!
# 53,110:
7:06 pm PST, Nov 6,
Name not displayed, Tennessee
Having gone through a divorce and being a single parent of two young children, I want the best future for my children. I went back to school to better be able to find stable employment, but will have so much loan debt by the time I finish that I don't know how I will pay the bills. How am I to start saving for their future while I am still trying to pay off my own?
Having gone through a divorce and being a single parent of two young children, I want the best future for my children. I went back to school to better be able to find stable employment, but will have so much loan debt by the time I finish that I don't know how I will pay the bills. How am I to start saving for their future while I am still trying to pay off my own?
# 53,109:
6:23 pm PST, Nov 6,
Teddi Fishman, South Carolina
We've let a generation of young people graduate with crushing, paralyzing debt. Forgiving their debt--which should never have been allowed to accrue in the first place--would not only stimulate the economy, but also give these young people back the hope and promise of a future.
We've let a generation of young people graduate with crushing, paralyzing debt. Forgiving their debt--which should never have been allowed to accrue in the first place--would not only stimulate the economy, but also give these young people back the hope and promise of a future.
# 53,108:
6:17 pm PST, Nov 6,
Susan Cromwell, Ohio
The outrageous and ever-increasing cost of higher education is a "damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't" problem in which bright, qualified young people often must choose between affording to continue their learning by saddling themselves with poverty-inducing loans, or must allow themselves to enter the workforce at a lower skill level and significantly lower pay. Many young people who choose college spend their entire adulthoods paying on the loans, and those who do not attend college spend their entire adulthoods trying to catch up to the wages they lost by skipping their education. The few who are fortunate enough to have financial support from their parents are robbed of the right to reasonably afford their own education while their parents must balance the cost of a child's start-of-career education and their own end-of-career retirement planning and nest eggs. --- By creating a fair plan for forgiving student loans, our nation's youth would work harder to complete high school with the knowledge that college is attainable, our young adults would be free to live more independently and to cycle their early-career earnings back into the economy, and older adults would be able to put more towards their retirement rather than simply hoping that social security will be enough. --- A student loan forgiveness program need not be an entirely free-money, consequence-free, bank of funds for the endless spending of anyone interested in attempting college. For example, a loan forgiveness program that requires students to complete their education within a specified timeframe would encourage students to graduate, lowering the drop-out rate. This would also weed out students who aren't truly dedicated to higher education from those who are willing to bet on themselves, rather than our current system which separates students by those who can afford school and those who can't. Reasonable timeframe adjustments could be made for students who are employed, studying part-time, experiencing crises, deployed, or undergoing medical issues. Like a wager, students who accept the program would need to complete their education within the allocated timeframe and would then have their loans forgiven upon graduation. Those who linger, drop out unnecessarily, or fail out would be responsible for the cost of their own education. Students interested in the program would need to apply not only to the university for admission, but to the forgiveness program. This way, the federal benefactor would be able to impose its own requirements on applicants to the program, such as GPA, volunteer experience, etc. Students who do not qualify would be able to apply again once the requirements are met satisfactorily. --- Offering a student loan forgiveness program this way would not detract from the money that our federal and state government provides to public colleges and universities. This is due to the fact that the increase in graduates would enter the workforce with increased pay and would continue to earn more over time, spending more into the economy and paying more in income taxes and other various taxes. --- And this is only one idea. Is there a way to forgive student loans? There simply must be many ways.
The outrageous and ever-increasing cost of higher education is a "damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't" problem in which bright, qualified young people often must choose between affording to continue their learning by saddling themselves with poverty-inducing loans, or must allow themselves to enter the workforce at a lower skill level and significantly lower pay. Many young people who choose college spend their entire adulthoods paying on the loans, and those who do not attend college spend their entire adulthoods trying to catch up to the wages they lost by skipping their education. The few who are fortunate enough to have financial support from their parents are robbed of the right to reasonably afford their own education while their parents must balance the cost of a child's start-of-career education and their own end-of-career retirement planning and nest eggs. --- By creating a fair plan for forgiving student loans, our nation's youth would work harder to complete high school with the knowledge that college is attainable, our young adults would be free to live more independently and to cycle their early-career earnings back into the economy, and older adults would be able to put more towards their retirement rather than simply hoping that social security will be enough. --- A student loan forgiveness program need not be an entirely free-money, consequence-free, bank of funds for the endless spending of anyone interested in attempting college. For example, a loan forgiveness program that requires students to complete their education within a specified timeframe would encourage students to graduate, lowering the drop-out rate. This would also weed out students who aren't truly dedicated to higher education from those who are willing to bet on themselves, rather than our current system which separates students by those who can afford school and those who can't. Reasonable timeframe adjustments could be made for students who are employed, studying part-time, experiencing crises, deployed, or undergoing medical issues. Like a wager, students who accept the program would need to complete their education within the allocated timeframe and would then have their loans forgiven upon graduation. Those who linger, drop out unnecessarily, or fail out would be responsible for the cost of their own education. Students interested in the program would need to apply not only to the university for admission, but to the forgiveness program. This way, the federal benefactor would be able to impose its own requirements on applicants to the program, such as GPA, volunteer experience, etc. Students who do not qualify would be able to apply again once the requirements are met satisfactorily. --- Offering a student loan forgiveness program this way would not detract from the money that our federal and state government provides to public colleges and universities. This is due to the fact that the increase in graduates would enter the workforce with increased pay and would continue to earn more over time, spending more into the economy and paying more in income taxes and other various taxes. --- And this is only one idea. Is there a way to forgive student loans? There simply must be many ways.
# 53,107:
5:24 pm PST, Nov 6,
Christina Estrada, Colorado
# 53,106:
5:06 pm PST, Nov 6,
Shanna Mancera, California
# 53,105:
2:36 pm PST, Nov 6,
Name not displayed, Oklahoma
Hello I am a 45 year old women, who went to school after my children left home so I would not take away from there raising. Know I have a Masters in Counseling which pays less then the position I hold right know. My loan payment is 600.00 a month and I am about to lose everything. I can not believe the US goverment is giving free money for the youth to become educated and not seeing the bigger problem. I have two friends who have lost there house because of school loans. Why is the gov't not releasing us from these loans, can they not see the damage that it is having on the American people.
Hello I am a 45 year old women, who went to school after my children left home so I would not take away from there raising. Know I have a Masters in Counseling which pays less then the position I hold right know. My loan payment is 600.00 a month and I am about to lose everything. I can not believe the US goverment is giving free money for the youth to become educated and not seeing the bigger problem. I have two friends who have lost there house because of school loans. Why is the gov't not releasing us from these loans, can they not see the damage that it is having on the American people.
# 53,104:
12:02 pm PST, Nov 6,
Tony Dreher, Alabama
# 53,103:
8:09 pm PST, Nov 5,
Tina Dressler, California
My situation has greatly changed, marriage, employment, family, health, cost of living, economy not to mention car accident, not my fault, which my insurance couldnt give me enough money for another car for replacement...Now I have a car payment. my intentions were there when I started college to receive a BA and pay my loan of $30,000 now $50,000..its almost doubled. It has been a nightmare for many years to try to be responsible and live a budget life. If this were pardoned I would be able to feel I can move on and be even more productive then I have been in the recent past. I am a single mother and have my daughter to think about and support.
My situation has greatly changed, marriage, employment, family, health, cost of living, economy not to mention car accident, not my fault, which my insurance couldnt give me enough money for another car for replacement...Now I have a car payment. my intentions were there when I started college to receive a BA and pay my loan of $30,000 now $50,000..its almost doubled. It has been a nightmare for many years to try to be responsible and live a budget life. If this were pardoned I would be able to feel I can move on and be even more productive then I have been in the recent past. I am a single mother and have my daughter to think about and support.
# 53,102:
7:02 pm PST, Nov 5,
David Harker, Texas
I could save myself nearly $200 a month... maybe more.
I could save myself nearly $200 a month... maybe more.
# 53,101:
6:35 pm PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 53,100:
5:11 pm PST, Nov 5,
Kevin Maguire, Washington
This would take a huge load off my back. I could be buying a house with the money I put out for the loans.
This would take a huge load off my back. I could be buying a house with the money I put out for the loans.
# 53,099:
5:06 pm PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 53,098:
4:43 pm PST, Nov 5,
Laura Hernandez, Ohio
# 53,097:
3:12 pm PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, Georgia
Please help the thousands of us that are trapped by the loan shark known as Sallie Mae!! I wish is borrowed money from the Mob.....
Please help the thousands of us that are trapped by the loan shark known as Sallie Mae!! I wish is borrowed money from the Mob.....
# 53,096:
1:41 pm PST, Nov 5,
Joshua Keener, Illinois
I went to college to better myself and my family but now with the mountain of debt I have I've only made things worse for us. I had to pay for college myself because my mother and father both made too much money for me to qualify for any type of grant. I worked a part time job while in college so I could make my own living and just like everyone else when I graduated and my loans went into repayment I became crippled under an enormous emount of debt from which I feel I will never get out of. I have a good job but even still I feel like I will never be a productive member of society because my student loans will always hold me back. I'm not asking for a handout, I make my payments every month and have for the last 6 years without missing a single one but the problem is with the ridiculous interest rates I've barely made a dent in the principle. I feel like I have paid more than what is a "fair" amount for getting a higher education. I don't agree that people should be able to graduate and then immediately just file for bankruptcy but can't they make a law where after 5 years or so of repayment you can become eligible to have your loans dismissed through a bankruptcy? Something needs to be done to police these private loan companies. Credit card companies have rules, mortgage lenders have rules, but why can private lenders make their own rules and get away with it? It's criminal to me that private lenders can treat people this way, this is what I get for trying to be a better person and recieve a higher education on my own.
I went to college to better myself and my family but now with the mountain of debt I have I've only made things worse for us. I had to pay for college myself because my mother and father both made too much money for me to qualify for any type of grant. I worked a part time job while in college so I could make my own living and just like everyone else when I graduated and my loans went into repayment I became crippled under an enormous emount of debt from which I feel I will never get out of. I have a good job but even still I feel like I will never be a productive member of society because my student loans will always hold me back. I'm not asking for a handout, I make my payments every month and have for the last 6 years without missing a single one but the problem is with the ridiculous interest rates I've barely made a dent in the principle. I feel like I have paid more than what is a "fair" amount for getting a higher education. I don't agree that people should be able to graduate and then immediately just file for bankruptcy but can't they make a law where after 5 years or so of repayment you can become eligible to have your loans dismissed through a bankruptcy? Something needs to be done to police these private loan companies. Credit card companies have rules, mortgage lenders have rules, but why can private lenders make their own rules and get away with it? It's criminal to me that private lenders can treat people this way, this is what I get for trying to be a better person and recieve a higher education on my own.
# 53,095:
11:46 am PST, Nov 5,
Gregory Paninski, Georgia
# 53,094:
11:43 am PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, Illinois
# 53,093:
10:39 am PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, Washington
# 53,092:
10:12 am PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, North Carolina
It has been almost 7 years since I graduated with my Master's Degree. My mom paid for most of my undergraduate, but I had to handle my graduate education. I made a paltry amount teaching undergraduates for the university, but had to accrue loans for living expenses while I went to school. After graduating, I was able to find a job within a year, but ended up getting pregnant and starting a family. Now I am divorced, have two special needs kids, and no way at all to work full time. My mom is covering my loans. This is just insanity.
It has been almost 7 years since I graduated with my Master's Degree. My mom paid for most of my undergraduate, but I had to handle my graduate education. I made a paltry amount teaching undergraduates for the university, but had to accrue loans for living expenses while I went to school. After graduating, I was able to find a job within a year, but ended up getting pregnant and starting a family. Now I am divorced, have two special needs kids, and no way at all to work full time. My mom is covering my loans. This is just insanity.
# 53,091:
10:03 am PST, Nov 5,
Jennifer Boyer, Washington
# 53,090:
9:21 am PST, Nov 5,
Kevin Stahlman, North Carolina
Along with life changing events and attending school, school took longer than it should have, and I was unable to take internship opportunities. Coming out of college I was already faced with debts from living my life prior, with no help from anyone other than going to my parents for dinner and maybe 20 bucks for my birthday and christmas. Straight out of the gate I was faced with forbearance and deferment as the only options, and quickly I realized I could not even begin to pay anything toward these debts without paying for food shelter and gas to get to my job. I forgo many luxuries and still, after 3 years, haven't paid more than 10 payments to my loans, only because I can't. Now I've come to the point in my life that declaring bankruptcy, just to defer my loans, and help a little with a small debt was the only choice I had. In the 6 years I have before the deferment ends, my only option to keep myself afloat (assuming I have the same job, or a similar one) would be to go back to school to be able to defer them more...which makes no sense. If there was one thing I could recommend, it wouldn't be to totally forgive the loans, but perhaps have a set loan amount based on income. All loans would last however long it took until they were paid off, but they wouldn't have interest (gasp!), and they wouldn't exceed an amount equal to 20% (this is a guess, as I'm not a number cruncher) of your yearly income based off the previous year's taxes. That way if I made more the following year, I would now be paying more toward my loan, if I made less, I would pay less, thus keeping me pumping money into the economy and everyone happy.
Along with life changing events and attending school, school took longer than it should have, and I was unable to take internship opportunities. Coming out of college I was already faced with debts from living my life prior, with no help from anyone other than going to my parents for dinner and maybe 20 bucks for my birthday and christmas. Straight out of the gate I was faced with forbearance and deferment as the only options, and quickly I realized I could not even begin to pay anything toward these debts without paying for food shelter and gas to get to my job. I forgo many luxuries and still, after 3 years, haven't paid more than 10 payments to my loans, only because I can't. Now I've come to the point in my life that declaring bankruptcy, just to defer my loans, and help a little with a small debt was the only choice I had. In the 6 years I have before the deferment ends, my only option to keep myself afloat (assuming I have the same job, or a similar one) would be to go back to school to be able to defer them more...which makes no sense. If there was one thing I could recommend, it wouldn't be to totally forgive the loans, but perhaps have a set loan amount based on income. All loans would last however long it took until they were paid off, but they wouldn't have interest (gasp!), and they wouldn't exceed an amount equal to 20% (this is a guess, as I'm not a number cruncher) of your yearly income based off the previous year's taxes. That way if I made more the following year, I would now be paying more toward my loan, if I made less, I would pay less, thus keeping me pumping money into the economy and everyone happy.
# 53,089:
9:04 am PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, Georgia
Another story about being in debt with student loans. I was recently diagnosed as Adult ADHD and I feel so much better now that I am able to make clear and sound decisions concerning my life. I know that I wasn't always able to do so, and now i pay so much for making those decsions without guidance or a sound mind. I am happy where I am right now, but I would be able to provide so much more for my family and children if my husband and I didn't have to pay so much for student loans. I am a school teacher and it is a blessing for me to help them become better citizens in life, however my secret of the student loans haunts me as I feel that I am being hypocrital, by not having taken care of them. I am embarassed and seeking help. I teach my students that help is okay and I guess now I know that I too must live by this and not allow this to be a hinderance. I pray that I can do what it takes to not only help myself but the many other people who live under the stress and embarassment of student loans.
Another story about being in debt with student loans. I was recently diagnosed as Adult ADHD and I feel so much better now that I am able to make clear and sound decisions concerning my life. I know that I wasn't always able to do so, and now i pay so much for making those decsions without guidance or a sound mind. I am happy where I am right now, but I would be able to provide so much more for my family and children if my husband and I didn't have to pay so much for student loans. I am a school teacher and it is a blessing for me to help them become better citizens in life, however my secret of the student loans haunts me as I feel that I am being hypocrital, by not having taken care of them. I am embarassed and seeking help. I teach my students that help is okay and I guess now I know that I too must live by this and not allow this to be a hinderance. I pray that I can do what it takes to not only help myself but the many other people who live under the stress and embarassment of student loans.
# 53,088:
8:29 am PST, Nov 5,
Name not displayed, Texas
I believe that the loans system is faulty because the persons responsible for maintaining my loan status decided to re-instate my loans out of deferrment without consulting me. I received no phone call, e-mail or correspondence, and after 6 months to a year, I get an e-mail stating I owe payments. I check and interest accrued so much, that it placed me right back where I had started 2 years ago! It took me a while to reduce the amount I owed and then I got pushed back and the company will not forgive the interest accrued during that time. I don't know what to do.
I believe that the loans system is faulty because the persons responsible for maintaining my loan status decided to re-instate my loans out of deferrment without consulting me. I received no phone call, e-mail or correspondence, and after 6 months to a year, I get an e-mail stating I owe payments. I check and interest accrued so much, that it placed me right back where I had started 2 years ago! It took me a while to reduce the amount I owed and then I got pushed back and the company will not forgive the interest accrued during that time. I don't know what to do.
# 53,087:
8:10 am PST, Nov 5,
Nathan Hunt, Virginia
# 53,086:
7:15 am PST, Nov 5,
Nanette McWaters, Oklahoma
I have a 25 year old son with Asperger's Syndrome who has been working on his comp-sci degree for 7 years. He had a full scholarship as an incoming freshman but lost it first semester. (He made a 35 on the ACT, but failed freshman English and has had to repeat several classes) I think he owes over $25,000.00 now. I'm scared to death! Mom
I have a 25 year old son with Asperger's Syndrome who has been working on his comp-sci degree for 7 years. He had a full scholarship as an incoming freshman but lost it first semester. (He made a 35 on the ACT, but failed freshman English and has had to repeat several classes) I think he owes over $25,000.00 now. I'm scared to death! Mom
# 53,085:
7:10 am PST, Nov 5,
Carrie Ellis, Oklahoma
# 53,084:
6:56 am PST, Nov 5,
Andrew Cody, Maryland
# 53,083:
6:51 am PST, Nov 5,
Amara Hyde, New York
# 53,082:
4:43 am PST, Nov 5,
Diana Allison, South Dakota
# 53,081:
4:31 am PST, Nov 5,
Karla Ericson, Maryland
So many attorneys like myself are unduly burdened by student loans. We have made a good faith effort to keep our payments current but due to the economic downturn many of us have fallen behind. With associate layoffs and infrequent contract work a multitude of lawyers are facing bankruptcy and/or impoverishment. I pray that a student loan forgiveness initiative is enacted to not only assist individuals but to get the United States economy back on track.
So many attorneys like myself are unduly burdened by student loans. We have made a good faith effort to keep our payments current but due to the economic downturn many of us have fallen behind. With associate layoffs and infrequent contract work a multitude of lawyers are facing bankruptcy and/or impoverishment. I pray that a student loan forgiveness initiative is enacted to not only assist individuals but to get the United States economy back on track.
# 53,080:
2:33 am PST, Nov 5,
Robert Sather, Montana
# 53,079:
8:47 pm PST, Nov 4,
Name not displayed, California
# 53,078:
7:36 pm PST, Nov 4,
Rebecca Turner, Tennessee
Education should be respected and used for those who want to improve humanity, not to be abused by those who aggressively enforced the failing capitalist system. Education should never be felt like a "punishment" with this kind of "financial slavery" for those who walked into this trap intentionally or unintentionally. This is a corruption of human rights.
Education should be respected and used for those who want to improve humanity, not to be abused by those who aggressively enforced the failing capitalist system. Education should never be felt like a "punishment" with this kind of "financial slavery" for those who walked into this trap intentionally or unintentionally. This is a corruption of human rights.
# 53,077:
7:08 pm PST, Nov 4,
Name not displayed, Hawaii
# 53,076:
6:45 pm PST, Nov 4,
Veeda McClary, North Carolina
I'm a single mom w/ a $100k worth of student loan debt. My main concern is how will I put my son through college. I was the only one to graduate from college in my family of 45+ people about 3 generations and now I'm faced with the dismal reality that I may not be able to send my son to college. What's worse is he already assumes he is going! HELP!
I'm a single mom w/ a $100k worth of student loan debt. My main concern is how will I put my son through college. I was the only one to graduate from college in my family of 45+ people about 3 generations and now I'm faced with the dismal reality that I may not be able to send my son to college. What's worse is he already assumes he is going! HELP!
# 53,075:
6:09 pm PST, Nov 4,
Name not displayed, Florida
I’m currently in the process of completing my MBA and my student loans are deferred at the moment. I would pursue opening up a small business, but my student loans will place a damper on my plan.
I’m currently in the process of completing my MBA and my student loans are deferred at the moment. I would pursue opening up a small business, but my student loans will place a damper on my plan.
# 53,074:
5:46 pm PST, Nov 4,
Name not displayed, Colorado
# 53,073:
5:45 pm PST, Nov 4,
Name not displayed, New York
# 53,072:
5:42 pm PST, Nov 4,
Pamela Thompson, Ohio
Sallie Mae and their collection companies have been messing with me since 1995. I have made payments, tax returns taken, wage garnishments. Made payment plans with their collections and then after a year goes back to Sallie Mae and payments are just higher than I can afford. Shows they have been paid by insurance, and even as a charge off. They also changed my account # after bankruptcy and the dollar amount by ONE Dollar. My orginal loan was for $4000.00 and was a SLS loan. Now by the time I pay this off it will be over $35,000
Sallie Mae and their collection companies have been messing with me since 1995. I have made payments, tax returns taken, wage garnishments. Made payment plans with their collections and then after a year goes back to Sallie Mae and payments are just higher than I can afford. Shows they have been paid by insurance, and even as a charge off. They also changed my account # after bankruptcy and the dollar amount by ONE Dollar. My orginal loan was for $4000.00 and was a SLS loan. Now by the time I pay this off it will be over $35,000
# 53,071:
5:33 pm PST, Nov 4,
Kristina Johnston, Arkansas
# 53,070:
3:22 pm PST, Nov 4,
Debra Thompson, Maryland
I have spent six years laboring for an education with which to serve my country in the capacity of social worker. In addition to my education, I must also pay for licensing and continuing education courses. Please, if we are to continue to attract, educate, and retain well-equipped workers in this country, we must lower the cost of education and help those who have accrued massive student loan debt to pay down their loans. The goverment must step in to correct the abuses of our corporations and banking industry. Forgive student debt and invest in America's future.
I have spent six years laboring for an education with which to serve my country in the capacity of social worker. In addition to my education, I must also pay for licensing and continuing education courses. Please, if we are to continue to attract, educate, and retain well-equipped workers in this country, we must lower the cost of education and help those who have accrued massive student loan debt to pay down their loans. The goverment must step in to correct the abuses of our corporations and banking industry. Forgive student debt and invest in America's future.
# 53,069:
3:03 pm PST, Nov 4,
Name not displayed, Maryland
# 53,068:
3:00 pm PST, Nov 4,
Ashley Duprey, Florida
I am a mother of two. It is really hard trying to make it.
I am a mother of two. It is really hard trying to make it.
# 53,067:
2:21 pm PST, Nov 4,
Radoyka Delgado, Florida
Its hard to face the real world knowing that there aren't any jobs due to the economy and knowing that we have to figure out a way to pay our loans six months after graduating. The interest rates in loans keep increasing making harder each year for students to pay. Its sad when I, as a graduating student start to think that having a college degree doesn't mean much anymore.
Its hard to face the real world knowing that there aren't any jobs due to the economy and knowing that we have to figure out a way to pay our loans six months after graduating. The interest rates in loans keep increasing making harder each year for students to pay. Its sad when I, as a graduating student start to think that having a college degree doesn't mean much anymore.
# 53,066:
2:13 pm PST, Nov 4,
Garrod Shumway, Idaho
# 53,065:
2:10 pm PST, Nov 4,
Name not displayed, Florida
I am a recent grad with my B.A. and have been searching for about a year for a job. After 100's of interviews I continue to be unemployed due to the high competition and my little work experience... While my husband does have a job, we struggle to support our 2 year old while expecting another baby on the way. In a few short months my student loans are due and SalleMae is expecting nearly $700 a month! How are we to afford that when I will have just delivered a 2nd baby and we can not afford to put food on the table as it is?!?! Looking for some help!
I am a recent grad with my B.A. and have been searching for about a year for a job. After 100's of interviews I continue to be unemployed due to the high competition and my little work experience... While my husband does have a job, we struggle to support our 2 year old while expecting another baby on the way. In a few short months my student loans are due and SalleMae is expecting nearly $700 a month! How are we to afford that when I will have just delivered a 2nd baby and we can not afford to put food on the table as it is?!?! Looking for some help!
# 53,064:
1:49 pm PST, Nov 4,
Gregory Heacock, Oregon
Please add your personal thoughts and stories to this petition. Help us make those in power realize how we can change America for the better with a little help.
Please add your personal thoughts and stories to this petition. Help us make those in power realize how we can change America for the better with a little help.
# 53,063:
12:58 pm PST, Nov 4,
Jacie Fite, Oklahoma
I received my Masters degree in physical therapy. I work to give more independence to children with developmental disabilities in the Ok public school sysytem. Having assistance withy student loans would be great help and would allow me to put my money back into the economy instead of just paying off interest on my loans.
I received my Masters degree in physical therapy. I work to give more independence to children with developmental disabilities in the Ok public school sysytem. Having assistance withy student loans would be great help and would allow me to put my money back into the economy instead of just paying off interest on my loans.
# 53,062:
12:44 pm PST, Nov 4,
Erica Hayden, Arizona
I have just recently graduated and have over 100,000 dollars worth of private students loans to pay back. Salliemae wants over 1,000 a month. Even with my two jobs I am unable to make this payment and Salliemae refuses to work with me. I fully support this petition. We really need some help
I have just recently graduated and have over 100,000 dollars worth of private students loans to pay back. Salliemae wants over 1,000 a month. Even with my two jobs I am unable to make this payment and Salliemae refuses to work with me. I fully support this petition. We really need some help
# 53,061:
11:42 am PST, Nov 4,
Jonathan Brockman, Virginia
# 53,060:
11:32 am PST, Nov 4,
Patrick Tracey, Massachusetts
# 53,059:
10:37 am PST, Nov 4,
Teresa Marshall, Tennessee
I have my Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degree. I have a decent job but when my loans go into repayment next month, I am going to have decide between eating and paying back my loans. I don't know what I am going to do.
I have my Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degree. I have a decent job but when my loans go into repayment next month, I am going to have decide between eating and paying back my loans. I don't know what I am going to do.
# 53,058:
9:22 am PST, Nov 4,
Lesley Clark, Oklahoma
As an "average joe" who has accumulated student loan debt, as well as credit card debt to live off of, I fully support this petition. In college I took a "personal finance" class that taught us how to save for the future by putting away so much every year... well, there is no tangible way I can even think about saving for the future because of my monthly student loan debt payments. I am staying with a family who is letting me live "rent free" right now, but I am not sure for how long, and it scares me to even think about moving out because I know I am going to have to scrimp by to just live because of my income + student loan debt. I haven't even been able to save to purchase equipment to further my personal business (aside from my job that is my paycheck) because I have such high student loan payments, interest rates, etc. My credit card debt is almost gone, but then I need to put that money into my student loans. After that is when I can focus on my efforts to "stimulate the economy"... oh but wait, then I guess I shouldn't think about saving for the future...
As an "average joe" who has accumulated student loan debt, as well as credit card debt to live off of, I fully support this petition. In college I took a "personal finance" class that taught us how to save for the future by putting away so much every year... well, there is no tangible way I can even think about saving for the future because of my monthly student loan debt payments. I am staying with a family who is letting me live "rent free" right now, but I am not sure for how long, and it scares me to even think about moving out because I know I am going to have to scrimp by to just live because of my income + student loan debt. I haven't even been able to save to purchase equipment to further my personal business (aside from my job that is my paycheck) because I have such high student loan payments, interest rates, etc. My credit card debt is almost gone, but then I need to put that money into my student loans. After that is when I can focus on my efforts to "stimulate the economy"... oh but wait, then I guess I shouldn't think about saving for the future...
# 53,057:
6:48 am PST, Nov 4,
Jacob McCoy, Indiana
# 53,056:
11:55 pm PST, Nov 3,
Sandra Dec, New York
Student loans will be the death of me. I will not be able to save for retirement or my own future children. The interest rates are outrageous and now they won't consolidate them anymore. It's unfair that my money will go into the pockets of people that don't need it, when I do. School really shouldn't cost so much. It's a shoddy business that doesn't really care about education, just money. If people didn't have to pay so much on their student loans, we could stimulate the economy with some of that money, and save some for the future. Because most likely, we won't get social security when it's our time. This country no longer stands on the words of our forefathers. It's sad really. The government doesn't care about the people, just the almighty hundreds of billions of dollars. (Note: the original phrase,"the almighty dollar" need no longer apply. A dollar buys gum and that's about it) Please do what is right for this sinking country. Quit caring about the already rich people.
Student loans will be the death of me. I will not be able to save for retirement or my own future children. The interest rates are outrageous and now they won't consolidate them anymore. It's unfair that my money will go into the pockets of people that don't need it, when I do. School really shouldn't cost so much. It's a shoddy business that doesn't really care about education, just money. If people didn't have to pay so much on their student loans, we could stimulate the economy with some of that money, and save some for the future. Because most likely, we won't get social security when it's our time. This country no longer stands on the words of our forefathers. It's sad really. The government doesn't care about the people, just the almighty hundreds of billions of dollars. (Note: the original phrase,"the almighty dollar" need no longer apply. A dollar buys gum and that's about it) Please do what is right for this sinking country. Quit caring about the already rich people.
# 53,055:
8:26 pm PST, Nov 3,
Amber Maxie, Arkansas
If my student loans were forgiven I would have the opportunity to purchase a new or better home for my family. This would take a weight off my shoulders & allow me to be a better mom!!
If my student loans were forgiven I would have the opportunity to purchase a new or better home for my family. This would take a weight off my shoulders & allow me to be a better mom!!
# 53,054:
7:50 pm PST, Nov 3,
Chris R, New Jersey
In the early 80's I took out student loans to attend a four year college. I graduated with an English degree, got married and cared for two small children. At the time daycare would have been more expensive than staying home. I worked odd jobs to keep a mortgage on our home, while my husband worked as a social worker and did odd jobs also. My brother -in-law lent us a down payment. We had to pay him back immediately! Not complaining we did $350 a month or $27,000.00. We paid him back (I have the checks to prove it!) At the end of this re-payment my mother - in - law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's my husband's family turned their backs on her, we took her in for two years. I still babysat , waitressed, etc. I still had young children. My brother - in -law, all of a sudden decided to add 100% interest to the down payment that he gave us and took us to court! (all this while we were caring for his mother) Needless to say, he got his money ( refinanced the mortgage - he is driving a BMW) because we didn' t have a written agreement (we were young and trusted him). I never got to pay back my student loans from the 80's. I have managed to stay out of default. I went back to school after my mom--in-law passed away. I had to take out a loan to get my special ed teaching cert. and then my son went away to college and I took out a parent plus loan to get him started and now my son (senior in high school) is heading out! I am $60,000 in debt! I work hard - sometimes other part time jobs. I have recently lost both jobs this year due to the recession. I tried to check out the loan forgiveness program but I don't qualify in only one area! What are they going to do for the non-traditional student!? We are excellent citizens, we don't steal, cheat or lie on our taxes!! My husband and I both help people for a living! Some incentive would be great...just looking for some light at the end of the tunnel! I am afraid I will not be able to help my children start their lives! Thank you for listening!! Please help the people that are in the middle of this and that believe that they have a love for life long learning and believe that it is an integral part of belonging to this country....My husband and I have tried to instill certain values in our boys. My older son is possibly heading to El Salvador on a co-op to a very, very, poor area and I am concerned. He can't go on another co-op because I can't pay $4,000.00 dollars to send him on another one. He doesn't care he just wants to learn the language and help people. And I am supposed to discourage him? Please help!
In the early 80's I took out student loans to attend a four year college. I graduated with an English degree, got married and cared for two small children. At the time daycare would have been more expensive than staying home. I worked odd jobs to keep a mortgage on our home, while my husband worked as a social worker and did odd jobs also. My brother -in-law lent us a down payment. We had to pay him back immediately! Not complaining we did $350 a month or $27,000.00. We paid him back (I have the checks to prove it!) At the end of this re-payment my mother - in - law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's my husband's family turned their backs on her, we took her in for two years. I still babysat , waitressed, etc. I still had young children. My brother - in -law, all of a sudden decided to add 100% interest to the down payment that he gave us and took us to court! (all this while we were caring for his mother) Needless to say, he got his money ( refinanced the mortgage - he is driving a BMW) because we didn' t have a written agreement (we were young and trusted him). I never got to pay back my student loans from the 80's. I have managed to stay out of default. I went back to school after my mom--in-law passed away. I had to take out a loan to get my special ed teaching cert. and then my son went away to college and I took out a parent plus loan to get him started and now my son (senior in high school) is heading out! I am $60,000 in debt! I work hard - sometimes other part time jobs. I have recently lost both jobs this year due to the recession. I tried to check out the loan forgiveness program but I don't qualify in only one area! What are they going to do for the non-traditional student!? We are excellent citizens, we don't steal, cheat or lie on our taxes!! My husband and I both help people for a living! Some incentive would be great...just looking for some light at the end of the tunnel! I am afraid I will not be able to help my children start their lives! Thank you for listening!! Please help the people that are in the middle of this and that believe that they have a love for life long learning and believe that it is an integral part of belonging to this country....My husband and I have tried to instill certain values in our boys. My older son is possibly heading to El Salvador on a co-op to a very, very, poor area and I am concerned. He can't go on another co-op because I can't pay $4,000.00 dollars to send him on another one. He doesn't care he just wants to learn the language and help people. And I am supposed to discourage him? Please help!
# 53,053:
7:17 pm PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 53,052:
5:54 pm PST, Nov 3,
Name not displayed, Illinois
It is far too easy for an uninformed individual to obtain a private student loan. Universities know this, and that is why tuition has been increasing far more rapidly than inflation, because they know that prospective students will be able to find a way to pay for it. This has lead to exponentially increasing tuition costs, as well as increasing debt obligations to students. Lets forgive these loans, and re-think the way we are financing education in this country!
It is far too easy for an uninformed individual to obtain a private student loan. Universities know this, and that is why tuition has been increasing far more rapidly than inflation, because they know that prospective students will be able to find a way to pay for it. This has lead to exponentially increasing tuition costs, as well as increasing debt obligations to students. Lets forgive these loans, and re-think the way we are financing education in this country!
# 53,051:
5:45 pm PST, Nov 3,
Erica McMains, Oklahoma
There would be no way for me to graduate from Oral Roberts University without student loans. It would be a shame to have gotten all the way to my senior year and not graduate. It would basically be stealing from the students that already have loans promised to them.
There would be no way for me to graduate from Oral Roberts University without student loans. It would be a shame to have gotten all the way to my senior year and not graduate. It would basically be stealing from the students that already have loans promised to them.
