Secretary McMahon’s Campaign Stop for Gov. Lombardo Amid Reports of Coming Student Loan Crackdown
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - This morning, Nevada student loan borrowers and educators drew attention to reports that the Department of Education plans to pursue borrowers who default on their student loans next year, potentially with harsh penalties, including wage garnishment. Millions of Americans are behind on student loan payments because many cannot afford their payments amid rising costs for housing, groceries, healthcare, and gas. Nevadans are stretching their paychecks as far as they can, but many still cannot keep up with rising costs. Governor Lombardo refuses to stand with these Nevadans as he continues courting wealthy, well-connected people.
The Nevada State Education Association recently surveyed Clark County Education Association members and found that teachers overwhelmingly support gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford, leading by 23 points. It’s no surprise that educators support Ford, given Lombardo’s track record of siding with people like President Trump and Secretary McMahon, who are out of touch with working class Nevadans.
Chris Daly, Deputy Executive Director of Government Relations with the Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:
“Earlier this year NSEA surveyed our members about their economic circumstances, including student loans. We found that more than one in three members still carried student loans, with some owing more than $100K. Nearly six in ten members postponed major life events like buying a home, getting married or having children because of financial hardship.
After years of attacks on public schools, we now learn the Trump admin is preparing to impose financial penalties on teachers who default on their loans, potentially garnishing wages and tax refunds. Our members are already putting off buying homes and starting families. Teachers have gone without raises while their bills keep climbing. Taking more money from a struggling educator's paycheck will only make it harder for them to stay in the classroom. Today, Joe Lombardo is campaigning alongside Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. Ask Governor Lombardo, do you support the Trump administration's plans? Will you stand up for Nevada’s educators and borrowers, or will you wait until after election day to tell them where you stand?”
Kelly Edgar, Retired Public Educator, issued the following statement:
“I want subject matter experts teaching my children. That’s why most educators like me pursue master’s degrees, and I never could have earned mine without a student loan. And now, if you’re struggling to pay back those loans, [the Trump administration] wants to garnish your wages or intercept your tax refund, even though it’s harder to get a job, paychecks aren’t keeping up with inflation, and they’ve cut safety nets like Medicaid and SNAP and let health insurance subsidies expire. Talk about kicking people when they’re down. It’s time to stand up, Nevada. Joe Lombardo calls himself the ‘education governor.’ But rolling out the red carpet for Linda McMahon, whose department gutted programs for first-generation and low-income college students, while she tours a campus that serves those communities, is a slap in the face.”
Jen Fleischmann Willoughby, Development Director with Make the Road Action Nevada and CCSD Parent, issued the following statement:
“I want to emphasize affordable repayment and meaningful relief. Income-based repayment plans should reflect the costs families face as they continue navigating economic uncertainty. A borrower stuck with an overly high payment will inevitably default. When it comes to paying your student loans or feeding your child, you feed your child. Many in our communities are making these tough decisions through no fault of their own.
The Trump Administration, including Secretary McMahon, has done everything in their power to make life more challenging for our most vulnerable. Governor Lombardo has stood by quietly, scoring political points with the administration while Nevadans struggle to maintain their quality of life.
As both a parent and an advocate, I want Governor Lombardo to stand up for Nevada’s students, educators, and working families. I want my daughter to have strong public schools now and access to higher education later without signing up for a lifetime of debt. This is possible, but we need the right leaders to stand up and fight for us.”
Christian Solomon, Western Regional Director with RISE, issued the following statement:
“If Joe Lombardo actually cares about our education and future, why would he be represented by someone who is attacking borrowers simply for the crime of wanting a higher education and a better future? Our own Nevada educators are the most affected. Our teachers are already facing underfunded classrooms while digging into their own wallets for supplies. This is not the education agenda of someone who cares about Nevadans and their families.”
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