Gov. Pritzker's Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision to Overturn Student Loan Forgiveness

CHICAGO — Following the Supreme Court of the United States' decision to overturn President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement:

"In the wake of the hardship experienced by debt-strapped Americans recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court has denied them relief.

40% of Americans with student loans do not have a college diploma. These are hard-working families just trying to get by, who hoped to further their education and instead found themselves often saddled with insurmountable debt.

With this latest decision, the court — stacked with some of the most elite college degrees on earth — told millions of low- and middle-income people that higher education should return to being predominantly the province of the wealthiest Americans.

Government exists to solve problems, not compound them. In Illinois, we have increased student assistance by 75% in just the last four years, making it possible for more people to afford college, including allowing people to attend community college free. With these actions we are helping people avoid taking out student loans in the first place.

As we celebrate America's 247th birthday this weekend, let us remember that education is about lifting up every American so our nation and all her people, rich or poor, can thrive."