Contact: Mikaela Mendoza-Cardenal Cell Phone: (786) 564 - 2554 Email: president@demsucf.

com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STUDENTS PUSH FOR SGA RESOLUTION AGAINST STUDENT LOAN RATE INCREASE UCF students urge Congress not to double student loan interest rate. Orlando, FL, June 27th, 2013 With a looming July 1st deadline for Congress to keep student loan interest rates from doubling, students at UCF are taking action by pushing to pass an SGA Senate resolution and by taking the issue directly to UCFs Congressman. Student loan debt has now reached roughly $1 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve, and roughly 60% of students need to take out student loans. Stafford loans are the type most commonly taken out in order to pay for tuition, books, or living expenses. Loans are a last resort, but are necessary for many students to be able to afford an education. The doubling of interest rates on student loans is a huge obstacle that could keep many students from either pursuing higher education or finishing their degree. Within a few days, nearly 300 postcards were collected from students demanding that Congress keep student loan interest rates from rising to 6.8% from its current rate of 3.4%. A group of 10 UCF students visited Congressman John Micas office on June 26, 2013 and spoke about the importance of keeping student loan rates low and to remind Congressman Mica that his constituency is comprised of 60,000 students who will be voting in the next election. We need our government to realize that by placing a tax on studentswhich is what this increase will essentially amount tothey are creating an environment where the fear of debt is great enough to keep students from pursuing a degree. We are not a source of income for the government. We are students trying to get an education, find a successful job, and contribute to the economy, College Democrats Vice President Chelsea Aldrich said. At the SGA Senate meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2013, at 7:00PM, the College Democrats will be introducing a resolution on behalf of the student body that urges Congress to block the automatic increase of interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans. Students are encouraged to participate by speaking in favor of the resolution during the open forum session of the SGA Senate meeting. The College Democrats at UCF have endlessly fought for the student body, from empowering our fellow students through voter registration to promoting inclusivity and respect for all people through our campus initiatives. We will continue to fight for students rights and ensure that our community is strongly represented. The mission of College Democrats at UCF is to promote the ideals and principles of the Democratic Party by educating students and encouraging participation in the democratic process. ### If you would like to receive additional information about the College Democrats at UCF, or if you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Mikaela Mendoza-Cardenal at (786) 564-2554 or at president@demsucf.com.