Washington, D.C. – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement celebrating the introduction of Rep. Pocan’s Debt-Free College Act:

“For millions of bright, talented students, the cost of college is an insurmountable barrier standing between them and a degree. Student debt follows young people well into adulthood, preventing graduates from purchasing a home, opening a business, or starting a family. College debt now exceeds $1.5 trillion dollars, and is second only to mortgage debt in the United States.

“We need to create an economy that works for every family – and that starts by making college affordable and accessible to all students who want to attend. Graduates beginning their lives shouldn’t have to take on crushing debt. By passing the Debt-Free College Act, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, race or zip code, can afford a four-year degree.”

78% of Americans support policies to ensure college students can graduate debt-free. The text of the Debt-Free College Act is available here.

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