September 29, 2016

Leaders of the Future Forum Introduce Bill to Provide Student Debt Relief for Young Entrepreneurs

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Relief and Investment for Student Entrepreneurs (RISE) Act. The bill will make it easier for millennials to launch new business ventures by offering a 3-year deferment period for federal student loans, interest-free, to entrepreneurs who have earned a college degree in the past five years.

The bill also incentivizes job creation in economically-challenged communities by enabling young people who start businesses in those areas to receive up to $17,500 in student loan relief.

Rep. Ruben Gallego said, “For far too many young people, crushing student loan debt has put the dream of starting a small business on hold. By relieving some of that burden, we can help grow our economy and bring jobs to areas where Americans are struggling to find work. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the RISE Act. Entrepreneurship has long been driving force in our economy, and we shouldn’t let student debt stand in the way of job creation.”

Rep. Eric Swalwell said, “As chair of Future Forum, a group of young Democratic Members of Congress focused on the issues and opportunities important to millennials, I have heard a familiar refrain from young people across the nation – that the weight of student loan debt is holding them back from making major life decisions, like starting a business or buying a home. The RISE Act helps to encourage young people to pursue new business ventures by lightening the heavy burden of student debt. It takes an important step toward preserving the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit so characteristic of our nation, and I appreciate the opportunity to lend my support.”