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      randi weingarten

      People rally in support of President Joe Biden's student debt cancellation plan on August 25, 2022 in Washington, D.C.

      GOP Resolution to Block Student Debt Relief Would Have 'Ruinous Impact,' Report Warns

      "MAGA politicians... want to reinstate student debt previously canceled for more than 260,000 teachers, nurses, firefighters, and others," said AFT president Randi Weingarten. "It's an immoral clawback of the absolute worst kind."

      Kenny Stancil
      May 23, 2023

      As Republican leaders in the U.S. House prepare to hold a vote this week on legislation that would block President Joe Biden's pending student debt cancellation plan and reverse already-delivered relief, progressive advocacy groups on Tuesday warned of the "ruinous impact" the GOP's resolution threatens to have on millions of borrowers.

      Last year, Biden moved to erase up to $20,000 in student debt for millions of federal borrowers with individual incomes under $125,000 and to improve the income-driven repayment program. The White House's popular relief initiative is currently on hold as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a pair of right-wing challenges to it. A decision in the case is expected next month.

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      Student Debt
      Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, speaks during a March for Our Lives rally on June 11, 2022 in Washington, D.C.

      Teachers Union Leader Calls for Defending Public Education From 'Dangerous' GOP Attacks

      "A great nation does not fear people being educated," said American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten.

      Kenny Stancil
      Mar 28, 2023

      American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten on Tuesday defended the egalitarian legacy and goals of public education and outlined a participatory plan to strengthen it nationwide as right-wing lawmakers intensify their long-standing assault on the institution.

      "Attacks on public education are not new," the leader of the 1.7 million-member union said in an address to the National Press Club. "The difference today is that the attacks are intended to destroy it. To make it a battlefield, a political cudgel."

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      public education
      Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers

      Why We Must Defend Against the GOP Plan to Destroy Public Education

      Our public schools shouldn't be pawns for politicians' ambitions. Or defunded and destroyed by ideologues. We are at a crossroads: Fear and division, or hope and opportunity. A great nation does not fear people being educated.

      Randi Weingarten
      Mar 28, 2023

      The following are the prepared remarks by American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten delivered on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the National Press Club.

      I. THE PROMISE AND PURPOSE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

      Today, we once again grieve for families shattered by senseless gun violence. Please join me in a moment of silence for the lives lost at the Covenant School in Nashville, and for all victims of gun violence.

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