The Future of Student Loan Forgiveness

Hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja talk about the pressing items members of Congress need to wrap up before the end of the year, including a deal on a bill to fund the government. They then dive into a lively discussion with Justin Draeger, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), about student loan forgiveness and other topics important to borrowers. EPISODE NOTES Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show: Policy Direction on Federal Student Loan Servicing from ED Undersecretary Ted Mitchell Navient, With Six Million Borrowers, Asks to Stop Servicing Federal Student Loans The New York Times (sub. req.) | Sept. 28, 2021 Biden Quietly Deciding How to Restart Student Loan Payments Politico | Oct. 18, 2021 Biden’s $11.5 Billion In Student Loan Forgiveness: Some Is Automatic, Some Is Not. Here’s A Breakdown. Forbes | Nov. 2, 2021 Examining the Implementation of COVID-19 Education Funds House Education and Labor Committee Hearing | Nov. 17, 2021 Oversight of Higher Ed COVID-19 Funds Inside Higher Ed | Nov. 18, 2021 Off the Cuff – NASFAA Podcast ABOUT THE SHOW Each episode of dotEDU presents a deep dive into a major public policy issue impacting college campuses and students across the country. Hosts from ACE are joined by guest experts to lead you through thought-provoking conversations on topics such as campus free speech, diversity in admissions, college costs and affordability, and more. Find all episodes of the podcast at the dotEDU page. Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or email podcast@acenet.edu. HOSTS Jon Fansmith is a director of government relations at ACE. He represents ACE and its members on matters related to the federal budget and appropriations process, with a particular focus on student aid. Mushtaq Gunja serves as vice president and chief of staff at ACE, where he is in charge of strategic initiatives, communications, and membership. Sarah Spreitzer is a director of government relations at ACE. She represents ACE and its members on matters related to research policy and funding, federal policy, international students, immigration, and legislative issues.