Far too many hard-working Virginians are saddled with unaffordable student loan debt. Graduates took out that debt based on a promise that higher education was the path to financial security and economic success. Instead, over a million Virginians are saddled with unaffordable debt.

Higher education is key to the American dream, and here in Virginia, we’re proud of our quality education system. Student loans should provide financial assistance so more student can pursue a quality college education and find a good-paying job. With the cost of higher education rising and a rigged economy that makes it difficult to find a job, too many graduates have been left with debt they simply can’t afford.

I'm supporting proposals from Senator Janet Howell and Delegate Marcus Simon (HB400, HB401, SB52 and SB604) to tackle the student debt crisis here in Virginia. Specifically, their plan will:

• Allow borrowers to refinance student loans just like you can a mortgage.
• Establish a Borrowers' Bill of Rights to extend the consumer protections that apply to other transactions to student loans.
• Set up a Student Loan Navigator to help students and borrowers assess their options and find the best plan to finance college and repay their loans.

As your constituent, I hope you will support these proposals in the 2016 General Assembly session.