FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2026

Statement from the Campaign for California Borrowers' Rights coalition:

Sacramento, CA – "With the upcoming major changes to the federal student loan landscape, California's 4 million student loan borrowers must remain a priority and we will continue to fight to ensure they have the support they need. To that end, we're incredibly disappointed to see that the final budget did not fund the Student Loan Empowerment Network, (SLEN) a program that has a proven track record of putting real dollars back into the pockets of hard working families and providing trusted experts to help when borrowers have nowhere else to turn. These supportive services are needed now more than ever as various federal repayment programs and options are being eliminated. The Campaign for California Borrowers' Rights coalition will keep working with the Governor and the Legislature to find funding for the SLEN program as well as expand the network of entities assisting Californians who need help with their student loans.”

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About the Campaign for California Borrowers’ Rights

The Campaign for California Borrowers’ Rights is a diverse coalition of organizations representing students, workers, consumers, older individuals, communities of color, veterans, and millions of other Californians affected by the student debt crisis. The Campaign is led by NextGen California, Protect Borrowers, Student Debt Crisis Center, and Young Invincibles.

More information about the Campaign is available at https://www.californiaborrowers.org/.​​