University leaders criticize efforts to reshape how students pay for college
MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- University leaders from across the state are speaking out against a potential overhaul to student loan programs Congress is considering.
It's part of the "big beautiful bill" the House narrowly approved Thursday morning in effort to enact President Donald Trump's legislative agenda.
Leaders from the University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin Technical College System and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges joined students at Madison College to talk about a provision in the policy bill that would reshape how students pay for college.
University officials slammed aspects of the package including replacing a dozen student loan repayment plans with just two; a standard monthly rate and a new income-based plan.
"Let me be blunt, it simply makes no sense for the United States to narrow educational opportunities, " said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. "I am dumbfounded that cutting education opportunities would even be considered when our economic vibrancy of our nation is at stake."
Other changes would repeal the Biden-era regulations that made it easier for students to get loans canceled if their college suddenly closed or defrauded them.
If enacted, these changes among others could force millions of students into more expensive repayment plans.
It would also limit the number of options low to middle income students have to pay for college.
Students that would be impacted under the provision say they'd be forced to pay more to stay in school.
"If we want a stronger workforce and stronger economy, we need to support students already giving it all they got," said Jose Villarreal, a student attending Madison College. "Don't move the goalpost. Don't make it harder for us, please."
Higher education is one of several controversial measures in the legislative package that also seeks to cut Medicaid, food stamps, and make permanent GOP's 2017 tax cuts.
The bill also includes President Trump's priorities such as spending cuts and broader border security measures.