College students across Wisconsin are returning to classes this week, but soon they will be leaving our universities with an ever-increasing burden of student loan debt.

RHINELANDER, WI – With the conclusion of the Labor Day weekend, college students across Wisconsin are returning to classes and looking forward to starting a new year of learning and opportunity. However, those students are also leaving our universities with an ever-increasing burden of student loan debt.

“As one of the 800,000 Wisconsin residents paying off student loans, I know first-hand the struggles students are going through trying to climb out of crushing student debt,” said State Senate Candidate Bryan Van Stippen. “The average debt load of a Wisconsin student is $28,800. That’s enough for a new car or a down payment on a house. Families across the state are struggling to get ahead because they are strapped with student loan debt payments and are unable to refinance.”

While on the Joint Finance Committee, Senator Tom Tiffany voted for the $250 million cut to the UW system, eliminated staff protections, and presided over an unprecedented exodus of faculty and staff from the 26 colleges and universities of the UW system.

“Senator Tiffany continues to side with big Wall Street banks over the needs of our middle class Wisconsin families by blocking families from being able to refinance student loan debt. By reinvesting in the UW system, retaining top-notch faculty, and allowing families to refinance student loan debt, we can turn around our economy and keep our graduates in Wisconsin.”

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Bryan Van Stippen is running to represent the 12th Senate District in northern Wisconsin. Residents can learn more about Bryan at: www.vanstippenforsenate.com.