7/28/2019 Missouri Student Association

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MISSOURI STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 25, 2013

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

University of Missouri Student Body President URGES CONGRESSWOMAN

VICKY HARTZLER TO FIND STUDENT LOAN SOLUTION

An open letter rom MSA President Nick Droege was delivered to Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) earlythis morning, encouraging Columbias Congresswoman to work with ellow legislators and nd a bipartisan solu-

tion to the looming ederal student loan crisis.

Droeges letter reads, I am writing you today with deep concern over the impending student loan rate increaseset to take efect on July 1st, in less than two weeks. Te planned rate increase, rom 3.4% to 6.8%, would takethousands o dollars rom the pockets o students and their amilies at a time when many can scarce aford it.Further, Droege urges ...that as July 1st approaches, you will continue your work on behal o your constituentsand students across the state to ensure that congress keeps higher education afordable and open to all who seekit.Earlier this month, Droege signed on to a national efort by student government associations across the country

encouraging Congress to prevent the crippling rate increase. Additionally, college student advocates across thestate have begun a grassroots social media campaign, asking legislators to avoid the doubling o loan rates.

http://politicmo.com/2013/06/21/missouri-student-presidents-join-effort-against-student-loan-rake-hike/https://www.facebook.com/DontDoubleMyRateMissourihttps://www.facebook.com/DontDoubleMyRateMissourihttp://politicmo.com/2013/06/21/missouri-student-presidents-join-effort-against-student-loan-rake-hike/

7/28/2019 Missouri Student Association

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MISSOURI STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

University of Missouri

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

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 everyyear. 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 thisproblem. 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