Student Loan Crisis (or not)?

Higher education is vital to America’s future prosperity, yet for many the cost of education is out of reach without incurring student loan debt. That debt sometimes becomes a lead weight around the necks of people it was intended to aid. Indeed, with over $1.52 trillion of student loans nationally, the U.S. has been described as “drowning in student loan debt.” Is this a pressing policy concern? A media-driven narrative? Or a fair characterization?

This lively panel discussion of experts, including an economist, presents differing points of view while addressing some of the popular “myths” surrounding student loans, the unfortunate consequences of heavy debt for some borrowers, how these obligations are affecting our economy, and ways in which borrowers’ loans may be addressed effectively.

Introduction:
Hon. Madeleine C. Wanslee, Bankruptcy Judge, AZ

Speakers:
Tara Twomey, Executive Director, National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center; Of Counsel, National Consumer Law Center, Moderator
Seth Frotman, Student Borrower Protection Center
Jason Iuliano, Assistant Professor of Law, Villanova University School of Law
Martin Wurm, Ph.D., Economist, Moody’s Analytics

2019 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference
Recorded July 23, 2019