Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doubled down on her support for broader student loan forgiveness on Wednesday by encouraging her Twitter followers to call their representatives in support of the progressive plan.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the representative from New York criticized President Joe Biden's opposition to a Democratic plan that would wipe out $50,000 in student loan debt for borrowers, saying his argument against it \"is looking shakier by the day.\"<\/p>\n
When asked about the push at a televised town hall Tuesday, Biden rejected the idea, and instead threw his support behind a less ambitious plan to cancel $10,000 per person.<\/p>\n
The president said he would rather spend the money on supporting early childhood education and ensuring that community colleges are tuition-free. He also said he didn't like the idea of forgiving debts for students who attended expensive private schools.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ocasio-Cortez was quick in her disapproval of Biden's statements Tuesday, tweeting: \"We can and should do it! Keep pushing!\"<\/p>\n
She followed up Wednesday by providing a step-by-step explanation to her millions of Twitter followers on how to call members of Congress and voice support for student loan forgiveness.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ocasio-Cortez linked to a House of Representatives web page that allows constituents to find their representative's contact information by entering their zip code.<\/p>\n
She encouraged people to call and thank members of congress who are already supporting student loan forgiveness because it sends a message that constituents are watching and appreciative.<\/p>\n
\"When you don't think your constituents care much, it's easier to cave,\" Ocasio-Cortez tweeted.<\/p>\n
For representatives who may be on the fence about the issue, calls from constituents can make a difference in nudging them toward a final stance, she explained.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
She acknowledged that calling a congressional office can be intimidating the first time, but reassured her followers that constituents have a right to make their voices heard, though she encouraged callers to be polite to whomever they speak with.<\/p>\n
\"Staffers don't deserve abuse,\" she wrote.<\/p>\n
The lawmaker then offered some tips for callers: ask clear questions about the representative's stance on student loan forgiveness; say what neighborhood you're calling from if comfortable; and offer up a personal story about how the issue has impacted you.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Detailed stories can help highlight gaps in policy and provide talking points for members to communicate with their colleagues, Ocasio-Cortez said.<\/p>\n
\"Representatives are human beings! Stories are persuasive & we can use your stories to convince others,\" she tweeted.<\/p>\n
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\nAOC prompts followers to call their representatives on student loan forgiveness - Business Insider<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"