To others like Shaun Leong, who teaches at a high school in Oakland, $10,000 will only go so far.
"It's not really helpful, but it's something. I think if they looked at cost of living in certain parts of the country and adjusted based on that I think it would be more beneficial for everyone," said Leong. Congressman Eric Swalwell released a statement Wednesday saying that this program "fails to consider regional differences in the cost of living, which disproportionately harms borrowers in different areas of the country." Going on to say that he'll work to correct this. He also says that Congress must tackle college affordability and debt long term."Over 40 million Americans are stuck in the financial quicksand that is student debt.
"While these steps will provide relief for millions of borrowers today, it fails to consider regional differences in the cost of living, which disproportionately harms borrowers in different areas of the country, including in my Bay Area Congressional District. I'll work to correct this. In addition, forgiveness today will not solve the student debt crisis of tomorrow. Congress must tackle college affordability and debt in the long-term.