ED BOLTZ APPOINTED AS REPRESENTATIVE ON THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING COMMITTEE FOR STUDENT LOAN DEBT RELIEF

Washington, DC – The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and the National Association of Student Loan Lawyers (NASLL) are pleased to announce the appointment of Ed Boltz as an alternate representative to the Department of Education Negotiated Rulemaking ("Neg Reg") Student Loan Debt Relief Committee on behalf of NACBA and NASLL. Boltz will serve as an advocate for consumer interests and the concerns of our client constituency, contributing to the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to provide debt relief to as many student loan borrowers as possible.

This appointment comes as the Biden-Harris Administration advances its commitment to delivering student debt relief through negotiated rulemaking under the Higher Education Act, seeking to alleviate the financial burden on millions of Americans. The administration has expressed its goal to swiftly provide support to borrowers who are in need. Ed Boltz's appointment as an alternate representative to the 2023 Neg Reg Student Loan Debt Relief Committee demonstrates the administration's commitment to including diverse voices in the rulemaking process.

“Mr. Boltz is a former President of NACBA, an active member of its board of directors, and has been a powerful advocate for consumer debtors throughout his career,” states NACBA President Richard Nemeth.  “He has an encyclopedic understanding of both consumer bankruptcy law and student loan law and will be a valuable addition to the rule-making committee.”

Joshua Cohen, President of NASLL, adds “Student borrowers increasingly turn to lawyers for assistance in navigating the various complicated relief programs available from the Department of Education and NASLL is gratified that the Department recognizes the importance of this assistance through its appointment of Ed Boltz as a member of this rulemaking committee.”

The committee comprises non-federal negotiators from various constituency groups and a negotiator from the Department, who will provide input on the policy considerations outlined by the Department. Additionally, the Department of Education released an issue paper <https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2023/session-1--is... outlining its preliminary policy considerations for implementing student debt relief. This paper poses five crucial questions concerning different categories of affected borrowers. These categories include those with balances exceeding their original loan amounts, borrowers who entered repayment decades ago, individuals who attended programs that did not offer adequate financial value, those eligible for income-driven repayment relief but have not applied, and borrowers facing financial hardship without adequate support from the current system.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing the student debt crisis, saying, "We're committed to standing up for borrowers and making sure that student debt does not stop anyone from climbing the economic ladder and pursuing the American dream."

The first committee meeting is scheduled for October 10 and 11, with additional meetings planned for November and December. The public will also have opportunities to offer comments and input. Updates on the student debt relief rulemaking process can be found on the Department's website. Members of the public who wish to view the committee's sessions or provide public testimony can also find information on the website closer to the committee's meetings.