Hank Johnson

College dropouts with significant debt struggle with repayment over the course of their lives and do not receive the benefits afforded to their peers who have debt but obtain higher-paying jobs as a result of college completion.

I stand with the millions of seniors and working people who depend on Social Security and who expect the money they put in to be there for them when they retire.

Social Security is not just another government spending program. It is a promise from generation to generation.

Because Social Security has not contributed to our debt, Americans should be skeptical of any politician who says that benefits Americans have earned must be reduced in order to address our national debt.

The idea that corporations have the same First Amendment protections of free speech as people is troubling. Corporations are not people. They don't attend our schools, get married and have children. They don't vote in our elections.

The rising costs of higher education coupled with the stress of paying student loans are putting increasing pressure on students.

Any cut to Pell Grants means low-income must take out additional loans or work longer hours - risk factors that increase their odds of dropping out of school.

I agree with President Roosevelt, and generations since, that American seniors deserve better than poverty.