In a special episode of the poor over today, we're explaining the debate about

student loan forgiveness, including where VP Harris and former President Trump

stand. This is the fifth episode of our election

collection designed to help us grow in understanding and compassion on key

2024 election topics.

Americans have a lot of education IOUs. In the past 20 years, student loans in the US more than tripled to $1.75 trillion,

surpassing auto loans and credit cards to become the country's second largest source of debt. mortgages are firmly in first place at $12 trillion.

The vast majority of student loan debt, 92% is owed directly to Uncle Sam,

while a small portion, 8% is owed to private companies.

For example, SoFi.

The push to have Uncle Sam not asked for his money back

began in 2011 during the Occupy Wall Street movement,

a protest against wealth inequality.

But the idea really gained steam during the 2020 presidential campaign when Senators Elizabeth Warren and

Bernie Sanders each proposed mass loan forgiveness, $50,000 plus per borrower and

free public college.

We'll be back with what Republicans and Democrats say

after a quick break.

Hey, it's Kathleen from the poorover.

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I plan to do anyway. That's why I like getting cashback with upside. I get 15 cents per gallon

at the gas station by my house. It's enough to cover a slice of breakfast

...