I am a nonpartisan activist fighting an uphill battle against the student loan industry. While currently, I take no position on the upcoming presidential race, I feel it is important for people to know that Hillary Clinton went, way, way above and beyond to help students during the last Congress.
To the point where I feel compelled to write this, and explain how.
Two years ago, I started a grassroots organization called StudentloanJustice.Org. A place where citizens who had their lives wrecked by their student loans-and the predatory framework that goes behind them- could tell their stories.
I went to Washington D.C. in December, 2005, literally banging on doors in the Senate and House office buildings, trying to cinvince Congressmen how badly we're getting screwed out here on our student loans.
One of the few members of Congress to meet with me was Hillary Clinton's staff. While most of my other meetings were true "get this guy out of my office" type experiences, the Clinton Staff actually asked some very hard questions, and engaged in meaningful dialogue.
Well, one thing led to another. They called me many many times over the coming months, and actually asked me for input on how to solve the problem. In May, Sen. Clinton had introduced S.3255, the Student Borrower Bill of Rights, into the Senate registry. I was astounded to see that many, if not most, of my recommendations had been incorporated into the Act.
This Act attempts to return standard consumer protections to student loans, and sets maximum repayment ceiliings on federally guaranteed student loans- a hugely needed set of priorities given the hugely predatory nature of the industry since it privatized in 1995.
That's prettty damn good public service if you ask me. Furthermore,
Senator Clinton is the ONLY member of the Senate Education Committee of the last Congress NOT to have taken campaign contributions from Sallie Mae. This is a hugely desirable characteristic of a member of congress serving on the Education Committee, in my opinion. And Hillary is the only one.
Love her or hate her, you have to admit that if this small action on her part is indicative of her administration, then you have to be extremely impressed. I was, at least.
One side note: Senator Durbin also displayed a genuine interest, knowledge, and courage on this issue. I have to give him nearly as high props as well.