1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

As a New Yorker, I’m writing to express growing concern over the federal government’s consistent failure to support working-class and middle-class Americans—especially when it comes to education access and student debt relief. The current climate in D.C. has made everyday life more uncertain, unaffordable, and unlivable for too many of us. New York needs to protect its people. We need to start building our own infrastructure—strong, state-level systems that reduce our dependence on the federal government and prioritize the well-being of New Yorkers. Specifically, I urge you to take legislative and budgetary action on the following: ⸻ 1. Create a State-Level Student Loan Program Develop a state-funded alternative to federal student loans with low or 0% interest, forgiveness for in-state public service, and need-based repayment. Rhode Island and Minnesota already offer limited versions. New York can—and should—go further. ⸻ 2. Expand Tuition-Free Programs The Excelsior Scholarship leaves out many students. Remove income caps and the post-graduation residency requirement. Cover the full cost of attendance, including room, board, and fees—not just tuition. ⸻ 3. Create a New York Education Savings Fund (with Matching) Help New Yorkers build long-term wealth and break the debt cycle by offering matching 529 contributions for every child in the state, starting in K-12. ⸻ 4. Launch a Public College Work-Study Guarantee Guarantee every SUNY/CUNY student access to a living-wage job that offsets cost of living—no more borrowing just to survive while earning a degree. ⸻ 5. Cancel Private Student Loan Debt Through State Buyback Buy distressed private student loans at a discount and offer refinancing or forgiveness through a state-run program. This would be both a bold economic stimulus and a step toward justice for borrowers left behind by federal inaction. ⸻ 6. Sue on Behalf of Borrowers We need the Attorney General to go further in holding loan servicers like MOHELA and Navient accountable. The mismanagement of federal student loan programs should not be tolerated—and New York should lead in challenging it. ⸻ 7. Fund Graduate School Like K-12 Subsidize in-state grad programs the same way we treat public K-12—especially for law, medicine, and public-interest careers. This would keep talent in New York and serve the long-term needs of our communities. ⸻ We’ve reached a point where relying on federal systems is no longer just inefficient—it’s harmful. I ask you to fight for a stronger, self-sufficient New York that invests in its people and stands as a shield when the federal government fails to act in our best interest.