AG Weiser statement on student loan forgiveness SCOTUS decision

June 30, 2023—Attorney General Phil Weiser issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion canceling the student loan debt relief plan:

“When it comes to student loans, my office is focused on protecting borrowers from unfair and predatory loan servicing practices and holding accountable predatory schools that defrauded Coloradans. Many hardworking students ended up with no degree or a worthless degree because they were pushed into a college education that did not work or make sense for them. Others ended up with degrees that were worthless because their school lied about the value of their education and job prospects after graduation. Today’s ruling hurts those borrowers, along with many other Coloradans who earn low incomes who would have benefited from the administration’s student debt relief plan.

“Additionally, the plaintiffs’ standing to sue in the case was highly questionable. By breaking from established precedents to reach the merits of this dispute, the Court’s action in this case is a troubling development that promises to further erode trust in the Court.

“In the face of this unfortunate decision, we will continue to prepare Coloradans for the restart of student loan payments, which have been paused since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. Colorado’s student loan ombudsperson is housed in our office and is prepared to help Coloradans navigate the return to repayment, including keeping a close eye on student loan servicers to ensure they follow Colorado law.”

###

The student loan ombudsperson in the attorney general’s office is a resource for student loan borrowers throughout the state. The ombudsperson is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and attempting to resolve complaints from student loan borrowers. Borrowers who have questions or need help can contact the Student Loan Ombudsperson at 720-508-MySL (6975) or studentloans@coag.gov.