Former vice president Joe Biden, who is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, promised in an education plan released Tuesday to "see to it" that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is "fixed, simplified and actually helps teachers."
Biden also promised to "partner with colleges" to build up the pipeline of psychologists, guidance counselors, nurses, social workers and other support professionals employed in public schools. And he said he would boost the number of teachers of color enrolled in teacher training programs.
The plan also calls for reinstating Obama-era guidance on affirmative action in higher education.
Multiple candidates for the Democratic nomination have called for streamlining the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, including former San Antonio mayor Julián Castro in a plan released earlier this month. Last year, Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, another candidate for the Democratic nomination, secured $700 million in funding for borrowers who encountered eligibility issues qualifying for the program, which only 1 percent of borrowers have successfully qualified for so far.
Elizabeth Warren U.S. Senator, Mass. • Democrat
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Bernie Sanders U.S. Senator, Vt. • Independent
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Pete Buttigieg Mayor of South Bend, Ind. • Democrat
Buttigieg's $500 Billion Free Tuition Plan - November 11, 2019
Democratic contenders push moderate debt relief plans in response to Warren, Sanders - August 9, 2019
Buttigieg Calls Out For-Profit Colleges in Debate - July 31, 2019
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Amy Klobuchar U.S. Senator, Minn. • Democrat
Klobuchar's Plan: Free Community College, Expanded Pell - October 28, 2019
Klobuchar Releases Plan for First 100 Days - June 19, 2019
Klobuchar Comes Out Against Free College - February 20, 2019
Michael Bloomberg Former mayor of New York City • Democrat
Bloomberg proposal renews debate over legacy admissions - February 24, 2020
Joe Biden Former U.S. Vice President • Democrat
Biden Promises Fix to Public Service Loan Forgiveness - May 29, 2019
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