MISSOURI STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

Contact: Nick Droege Telephone: 314-560-9461 Email: msapresident@missouri.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2013

University of Missouri Student Body President URGES CONGRESSWOMAN VICKY HARTZLER TO FIND STUDENT LOAN SOLUTION
An open letter from MSA President Nick Droege was delivered to Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) early this morning, encouraging Columbias Congresswoman to work with fellow legislators and find a bipartisan solution to the looming federal student loan crisis. Droeges letter reads, I am writing you today with deep concern over the impending student loan rate increase set to take effect on July 1st, in less than two weeks. The planned rate increase, from 3.4% to 6.8%, would take thousands of dollars from the pockets of students and their families at a time when many can scarce afford it. Further, Droege urges ...that as July 1st approaches, you will continue your work on behalf of your constituents and students across the state to ensure that congress keeps higher education affordable and open to all who seek it. Earlier this month, Droege signed on to a national effort by student government associations across the country encouraging Congress to prevent the crippling rate increase. Additionally, college student advocates across the state have begun a grassroots social media campaign, asking legislators to avoid the doubling of loan rates.

MISSOURI STUDENTS ASSOCIATION University of Missouri Dear Congresswoman Hartzler, I am writing you today with deep concern over the impending student loan rate increase set to take effect on July 1st, in less than two weeks. The planned rate increase, from 3.4% to 6.8%, would take thousands of dollars from the pockets of students and their families at a time when many can scarce afford it. Subsidized student loans are a vital piece of the financial puzzle that allows Missourians of all financial backgrounds to attend institutions of higher learning and better serve themselves, their families, and their state. A skilled and educated workforce is necessary for a growing and prosperous Missouri. To that end, I am proud to say that the University of Missouri system produces more graduates than any other institution in our state. Our graduates overwhelmingly make their homes in Missouri, and contribute to our economy. The university itself generates billions of dollars of growth in research and economic development every year. The University of Missouri is a powerful economic engine that is fueled by the ability of Missourians to afford the tuition, textbooks, and other costs that accompany attendance at a quality university. According to the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education, the federal government extended subsidized loans to 13,761 University of Missouri-Columbia students in 2012 alone. These cheap loans expand economic opportunity to many Missourians who otherwise would be trapped in a poor job market with nothing more than their high school degree. Students at the University of Missouri recognize the harsh realities of sequestration and the tough environment that you and your colleagues in Washington D.C. face as you strive to find a solution to this problem. I, along with thousands of other students at the University of Missouri who I represent, support any bipartisan solution that will save our peers from an economic peril that threatens their ability to gain a higher education. This is a crisis we care about deeply, and we hope to be a part of any discussion about its resolution. I hope that as July 1st approaches, you will continue your work on behalf of your constituents and students across the state to ensure that congress keeps higher education affordable and open to all who seek it.

Go Tigers,

Nick Droege University of Missouri Student Body President

2500 Student Center Columbia, Missouri 65201 msa@missouri.edu msa.missouri.edu