Darron Cummings/AP
The governors, all Republicans, argue that the lowest income Americans will be paying the debts of doctors, lawyers and professors “with the most debt, such as $50,000 or more… “Though, Biden’s plan caps relief at $20,000 for those who received Pell grants – awarded to low-income students – and $10,000 for students who did not get Pell grants in college. Additionally, individuals who make more than $125,000 are not eligible for the one-time relief.
The letter is signed by 22 Republican governors, including:
- Kim Reynolds, Iowa
- Doug Ducey, Arizona
- Brian Kemp, Georgia
- Mike Parson, Missouri
- Chris Sununu, New Hampshire
- Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma
- Bill Lee, Tennessee
- Mark Gordon, Wyoming
- Kay Ivey, Alabama
- Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas
- Brad Little, Idaho
- Greg Gianforte, Montana
- Doug Burgum, North Dakota
- Henry McMaster, South Carolina
- Greg Abbott, Texas
- Mike Dunleavy, Alaska
- Ron DeSantis, Florida
- Larry Hogan, Maryland
- Pete Ricketts, Nebraska
- Mike DeWine, Ohio
- Kristi Noem, South Dakota
- Spencer Cox, Utah
The governors are also challenging Biden’s power to go through with the plan, saying “As president, you lack the authority to wield unilateral action to usher in a sweeping student loan cancellation plan.”
In seven states, the forgiveness payments could be taxed as income.
“College may not be the right decision for every American, but for the students who took out loans, it was their decision: able adults and willing borrowers who knowingly agreed to the terms of the loan and consented to taking on debt in exchange for taking classes,” the letter states. “A high-cost degree is not the key to unlocking the American Dream—hard work and personal responsibility is.”
It further argues that it is unfair to those who previously already paid off their student loans.