AUSTIN, Texas -- Today, State Representative James Talarico, a former public school teacher, released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court voting to strike down the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to relieve student loan debt:

“Today, a group of right-wing judicial extremists struck down President Biden’s plan to provide desperately-needed economic relief to countless student loan debt holders. 

“Like so many other public educators, I encouraged my students to pursue their college dreams. But now, that dream of college is quickly becoming out-of-reach for too many young people – simply because Republicans are blocking our ability to make college more affordable.

“I’m one of the youngest members of the Texas Legislature. I know what it’s like to have student loan debt. It keeps so many of us from realizing our dreams. Student loan debt hurts our futures and weakens our economy. And because of Republican-led federal courts, it will keep many middle-class Texans in a cycle of debt for years on end.

“Our future rests on whether or not we take action today to build a fairer Texas. That’s what this work is all about. 

“Today’s decision is an enormous setback for economic justice and fairness. But we aren’t going to be deterred – we will keep our heads up, and continue fighting to make sure a quality education is truly accessible for every single Texas student.”

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