Courtesy of Prairie News Service

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The White House is fielding pitches from top Democratic lawmakers about their desire to dramatically expand student-loan forgiveness.

While a politically divisive topic, the idea has support in North Dakota, especially from those teaching future generations of professionals. The Biden administration has been considering whether to take executive action on canceling student-loan debt, with possible income caps and other eligibility requirements.

Jamestown High School teacher Cody Mickelson says while his loans were not as much of a burden compared with younger teachers, he feels action is needed.

He says if teachers feel supported, it bodes well for schools and students. The North Dakota AFL CIO says overwhelming debt blocks pathways toward the middle class. While some Democrats want debt as high as 50-thousand dollars canceled, the administration views a lower threshold.

Skeptics say it’s not fair to workers without loans or those who have paid them off, while arguing taxpayers could see a ripple effect.

Mickelson also is president of the Jamestown Education Association. He says even though there are existing forgiveness programs, there are barriers in states such as North Dakota to make them work. He says aspiring teachers need fewer headaches in pursuing their dreams.

He says teachers like him have to go through extra hoops to take advantage of existing relief if they have their loans through the Bank of North Dakota.

According to industry trackers, North Dakota and Mississippi are the only states that do not have a dedicated student-loan forgiveness program.