April 30, 2021

During this week’s council meeting, the council voted to pass a resolution calling on the federal government to write off all student loan debts.

The resolution states that “The cancellation of student loan debt and the elimination of debt in higher education represent a huge economic opportunity for Boston to create better jobs, increase spending in our local communities, support the upward social mobility of individuals and provide a much needed stimulus during the covid19 pandemic. “

While student debt is a burden on a wide variety of people, including young adults and older residents, it disproportionately impacts low-income, black, Latin, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander communities and other communities of color.

The resolution further states that “the abolition of student debt also represents an incredible moral opportunity for Boston to support residents, close racial and gender wage gaps, and improve the overall health of the population, as the debt is associated with negative mental and physical health. outcomes, such as stress, depression, general health, obesity, and mortality. “

Student debt cancellation is a policy with strong support across the country, with President Biden publicly expressing interest in some form of student debt cancellation.

This press release was produced by the City of Boston. The opinions expressed here are those of the author.