SEIU Statement on Biden-Harris Administration’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness Milestone and Response to Project 2025

WASHINGTON - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President April Verrett issued the following statement in reaction to the Biden-Harris Administration's reaching a historic achievement by approving over 1 million public service workers for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To date, the program has provided more than $74 billion in essential debt relief to borrowers. This progress stands in stark contrast to the previous administration, which denied PSLF relief to 99% of eligible public service workers, including educators, healthcare professionals, service members, and first responders.

"From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has proudly stood up for public service workers burdened by student debt. They understand that those who dedicate their careers to helping others deserve relief. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris don't just talk the talk; they walk the walk, showing through their actions that they have workers' backs. By removing these barriers, they are helping working people achieve the middle-class dream."

While we celebrate this significant win, we recognize that there is much work to be done. The threat posed by Donald Trump's Project 2025 to eliminate PSLF looms large, potentially stripping relief from approximately 3.6 million public service workers and imposing over $250 billion in additional student loan debt. This proposal would disproportionately impact communities of color nationwide and undermine the livelihoods of the dedicated individuals who serve us all.

That's why SEIU is fully committed to electing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. We have launched our most ambitious political program to date, reaching out to 6 million working-class voters of all races in key battleground states. Our members are mobilizing in the communities they live in and care for to ensure their voices are heard in this critical election."