UC students advocate for public service loan forgiveness amid proposed policy changes

In a packed room filled with passionate voices, the Negotiated Rulemaking Public Hearing on April 29, 2025, became a platform for advocates of student loan forgiveness and repayment programs to express their concerns about proposed changes that could reshape the landscape of public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment (IDR) plans.

As the morning session unfolded, speakers shared personal stories that underscored the critical importance of these programs. One speaker, a dedicated public servant, recounted how PSLF allowed them to care for underserved communities while managing a staggering $400,000 in student debt. They urged the Department of Education to take immediate action to protect PSLF and IDR, suggesting four key steps to ensure that those who have committed their careers to public service can continue to do so without the burden of unmanageable debt.

Another voice, representing thousands of students at the University of California, emphasized that for many, these programs are not just policies but promises of opportunity. They warned that proposed reforms could dismantle the very protections that allow low and middle-income Americans to pursue their educational dreams without the fear of lifelong financial insecurity. The sentiment echoed throughout the room: any reduction in PSLF or IDR would not only betray current borrowers but also jeopardize future generations' access to education.

Students from various universities shared similar sentiments, highlighting the potential consequences of narrowing access to these vital programs. They described how such changes would disproportionately affect working-class families and public service workers, who rely on these programs to make their educational aspirations a reality. The overarching message was clear: the proposed changes were seen as a direct attack on those who serve their communities, risking the very fabric of public service.

As the session drew to a close, the urgency of the matter was palpable. Advocates called for a commitment to uphold the promises made to borrowers, emphasizing that education should remain a pathway to opportunity, not a source of lifelong debt. The discussions at this hearing are set against the backdrop of ongoing legislative efforts, making the outcome of these proposed changes critical not only for current borrowers but for the future of public service in America. The stakes are high, and the voices of those who stand to be affected are louder than ever.