Share to twitterSenator Elizabeth Warren's plan for higher education is a bold, but flawed policy. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts just put down a major progressive marker in her bid to win the Democratic presidential nomination. She unveiled a comprehensive higher educationThe several components of Warren’s plan are nicely summarized in Susan Adams’1.
Although Senator Warren deserves credit for the boldness of her plan, its two major planks are flawed policy, even from a progressive point of view that places a priority on making college accessible and affordable for many more students. Here are the problems.Under Warren’s plan, up to $50,000 in student debt would be canceled for every debtor with household income under $100,000.
First, beware the words “partner with states.” What if states decide not to “partner?” Would they be punished by the feds? Lose eligibility for Pell grants or the GI Bill? It’s also not clear how “split” would be quantified, and how much revenue states would need to be a partner.
Only 10!?!?!?
What if we used said money to pay for poor kid’s extra curricular activities? Keep ‘em engaged and off the streets. Let’s invest into futures that aren’t looking so bright. Warren doesn’t want to do that, though. It’s not the voting demographic she needs.
Giving the idea that everything will be free or debts will be cancelled is truly not a great idea....Its enticing for sure but somehow this same issue would pop up in a couple of years....hence a viable long term solution will be a much better idea....
Appreciating the cost of school can motivate people to provide that extra effort to understand the material. If there's no sense of investment, then it's just 'whatever…' Your kid's slacking off? Take a tour of their new home at the shelter. Make sure they're tired for realism.
As Warren mentioned in her town hall last night, having some sort of further education - whether trade school, a Bachelors, or a Masters - is basically required in today's market, and thus students are really at a place where they don't have a choice about taking out loans.
ewarren - read this and perhaps give some responses.
'What if states decide not to “partner?” 'Would they be punished by the feds?' They could do what they want, no money from the Feds. Why look to the UK for free college? In the 60s, college costs in the USA were nominal. U. Cal. was under $1k.
Of the 42 million students, how many would really qualify for debt relief? My husband I got married early and did well, we wouldn't qualify and I imagine most young married couples wouldn't either.
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