Two Squad Members Propose Bills on Student Debt, Homeless

Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., on Monday introduced two pieces of legislation to help Americans adversely affected by the coronavirus, including a bill that would cancel student debt up to at least $30,000 per borrower and grants to help the homeless and those who work with them.

The Student Debt Emergency Relief Act proposes the cancellation of at least $30,000 in outstanding debt, tax-free, and proposes the Education Department "immediately assume responsibility" for the monthly payments of borrowers who hold federal loans and suspend involuntary collections or garnishments of wages or federal income tax returns amid the crisis.

"During this unprecedented crisis, no one should have to choose between paying their student loan payment, putting food on the table or keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy," Rep. Pressley said in a statement. "We must prioritize debt cancellation for the 45 million student loan borrowers who are struggling to pay off their debt during this difficult time."

The Public Health Emergency Shelter Act would invest $15.5 billion in grants to support state, county, and local efforts to protect the homeless and the people who serve them. The grants could be used to train frontline staff on infectious disease prevention and mitigation, provide hazard pay for frontline workers working around the clock to support workers experiencing homelessness and reimburse local frontline providers for costs incurred associated with the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19.

"Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic must be comprehensive and, as such, it must center those most vulnerable among us," Tlaib added. "Families and individuals dealing with homelessness are more vulnerable to this disease at no fault of their own and need access to safe shelter and necessary medical care."

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