Vice President Kamala Harris talks economy, housing, and student loan debt in Milwaukee

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris came to Milwaukee while she continues on her Economic Opportunity Tour. This marks her fourth visit to the Badger State this year.

Actor and comedian D.L. Hughley joined Harris on stage as she highlighted how the Biden-Harris Administration has taken steps to advance economic opportunity by improving access to housing, creating jobs, investing in small businesses, forgiving student loans and medical debt.

“We are now saying medical debt cannot be included in your credit score,” said Harris.

One thing on everyone's mind is student loan debt.

"We have now forgiven over $150 billion of student loan debt for over four-million Americans,” said Harris.

The vice president said many Americans today are struggling to pay bills because of crippling debt, including public servants.

"Nurses, firefighters, teachers would get double the amount of debt forgiveness.”

With the economy being top of mind for voters, Harris' goal with this tour is to promote how their administration is working to help level the playing field and give economic opportunity to everyone.

"One of the announcements we are making today is we are putting hundreds of millions of dollars into advisors and consultants, here in Milwaukee for example. Over a dozen that will, for free, give people financial literacy information, how to apply for loans," Harris explained.

Including who can now get a small business loan.

“The fact that someone was previously incarcerated will not render them ineligible for a small business loan, because we believe in second chances," said Harris.

At the event, Harris announced $40 million in awards to more than 165 housing counseling agencies to help expand those services around the country. Of the $40 million, $300,000 is new funding coming right here to Wisconsin.

After her visit to Milwaukee, Harris made her way Chicago before heading back to Washington D.C.