Mayoral Candidate Jessica Ramos Faces Student Loan Default Controversy
Mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos, who is vying to manage New York City’s $112 billion budget, has found herself in hot water for defaulting on nearly $80,000 in student loans, according to court filings from 2019.
The filings in Queens state supreme court reveal that Ramos, a state senator, defaulted on two loans totaling $78,307.46, with her mother listed as a co-plaintiff on the default judgments.
Despite the outstanding debt, Ramos defended her situation by stating, “I’m part of the generation that is saddled with student debt.”
Even fellow Democrats have expressed concerns about Ramos’s financial situation affecting her candidacy, with some questioning her ability to manage the city’s budget given her inability to manage her own debt.
Ramos’s campaign finances show that she has raised $232,292 in private funds but has not qualified for public matching funds for the Democratic primary. Polling indicates she has single-digit support among voters.
Despite the controversy, Ramos remains committed to fighting for a fairer economy and better opportunities for those burdened with student debt.
As the US Department of Education prepares to resume collections on student-loan debt, Ramos’s situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many Americans in managing their educational finances.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized President Joe Biden’s efforts to cancel student-loan debt, emphasizing the need for responsible borrowing and repayment.
