More information about AAUW CA Public Policy can be found HERE.

Public Policy Priorities (PPPs) and the Election
Considering How Groups and Candidates Align with AAUW’s PPPs
Highlight: Student Loan Debt
By Missy Maceyko, Co-Chair Public Policy, AAUW California

At the national and state levels, AAUW has been a leader in the fight for increased economic security for all women, becoming well known for putting out annual data on gender-based wage gaps. However, wage gaps are only one part of the much bigger picture of gender-based economic inequality. AAUW, following contemporary socio-economic research, conceptualizes economic insecurity as part of wealth gaps and debt cycles that are created by multiple factors, including the ballooning cost of higher education.

Education is critically important for social and economic mobility. In 2024, young college graduates still tend to make more money than their counterparts who do not have a college degree, and have higher earnings later in life. However, the value of higher education has become a more complicated calculus for many: as education costs have risen, overall income rates have remained stagnant and low interest borrowing and repayment options to cover these costs have, in many cases, decreased. Without intergenerational wealth, ongoing family support, or scholarship wins, many Americans must go into debt to obtain a higher education.

Women are disproportionately impacted by these increasing costs. Women tend to make less money directly after graduation when compared with men. This, combined with many additional factors, such as the tendency for women to be primarily responsible for the financial and emotional costs of household maintenance, such as caregiving, makes any accrued student debt much harder for women to repay. As such, women in the United States owe $929 billion, or two-thirds of the nation’s student debt.

As part of the larger commitment to economic security for women, AAUW has been a leader in pushing for policies that meaningfully address massive increases in the cost of education and the student debt crisis.In California, reducing the cost of education and easing the financial burden of acquiring a degree remains central to AAUW California’s Public Policy Priorities, as well. In California, our work to reduce the burden of student debt falls under three of our four Public Policy Priority Pillars.

• Economic security for all women.
• Equal access to quality public education for all students.
• Increased representation of women in leadership roles, including access to programs that promote participation in public service careers.

The issue of student debt, as an issue of women’s overall educational access, social mobility, and economic security, also looms large in the current election cycle. Addressing student debt issues in ways that align with AAUW’s PPPs may include:

• student debt relief for borrowers;
• making investments in public education;
• expanding federal grant access;
• ensuring the continuation of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which eliminates federal student loan debt after 10 years of work at a non-profit or government agency;
• maintaining Income Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, like SAVE, which take into account unique financial situations and eliminate interest-driven balance increases for borrowers who make on-time monthly payments.

Not addressing student debt issues at all or exacerbating these issues does not align with AAUW’s PPPs. Actions taken that are not in alignment may include:

• widespread funding cuts for higher education;
• cutting loan forgiveness programs or slowing their functionality;
• eliminating the Department of Education.

While many candidates have tried to distance themselves from Project 2025, their openly stated and proposed policies may still be in alignment with the 900-page planning document’s positions on the topic of women’s economic security via higher education access and debt relief: Project 2025 calls for changing, rescinding, or repealing federal student loan forgiveness plans, including PSLF and debt relief through IDR.

As you prepare to vote, be sure to ask: what do the candidates who you are considering stand for? Do your own assessment by comparing candidates’ public statements, policy positions, and voting history against AAUW California’s Public Policy Priorities.

 From the AAUW National Website
Where We Stand

AAUW’s policy work connects and rallies advocates at the local, state, national, and global levels to empower women and girls. AAUW uses lobbying and grassroots efforts to push forward policies that break through educational and economic barriers for women. Below we highlight our positions and advocacy on major issues.

Economic Security – AAUW advocates for all women to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Look for the QUICK FACTS on the AAUW website for background information on paycheck fairness, retirement security, paid leave, health care.

Education & Title IX – AAUW supports a strong system of public education that promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity, including vigorous enforcement of Title IX. Read about focused positions on Higher Education, Elem and Secondary Ed Act, School vouchers, STEM Education, Sexual Harassment, Title IX

Civil Rights – AAUW advocates for equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse society, Reproductive Rights, LGBTQ Rights.

Take Action – There are lots of ways to get involved with AAUW’s work to advance gender equity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Become a Two-Minute Activist – sign up for an issue on the website. Around the country, AAUW activists are helping to advance legislation to protect women and ensure economic security for them and their families. Thank you for joining AAUW!

School Board Project – The State of California Public Policy Team School Board Project is making impactful strides!  For a deeper understanding of the vital work performed by California school boards, use the link to find details about their roles and functions. Feel free to share this article with as many people as you can.