FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2022
Contact: Juan Ramiro Sarmiento
(785) 760-6567 | JuanRamiro.sarmiento@younginvincibles.org

Biden Delivers SOTU Address, Higher Education Notably Absent

Progress Has Been Made But Work Remains

(Washington, DC) – Tonight, President Biden delivered his first State of the Union address to the nation and a joint session of Congress. The President made his case to the American public on his progress on the pandemic, his policy agenda, and the urgency of protecting democracy here at home and abroad.

In response, Kristin McGuire, Executive Director for Young Invincibles issued the following statement:

“The President addressed the nation tonight with a backdrop of global crisis, but also one of national progress. The challenges we confront are ever-present. Our fight is a marathon, not a sprint, and today we reflected on our race toward progress and the work that lies ahead.

It is undeniable the Biden Administration has made significant progress in the battle against the pandemic. Young Invincibles is proud to be a part of that nationwide effort with our Generation Vaxxed campaign. We were pleased to see the President highlight the measures the Administration and Congress have taken to expand access to health care, including tonight’s announcement on access to comprehensive care for mental health. Now it is time we make these changes permanent and cement our progress. A critically important theme of the President’s address was safeguarding democracy. We must remain committed to the fight to protect the vote. The future of young people and the nation depends on it.

We were disappointed to see higher education only receive a passing mention in his first State of the Union address and a significant agenda-setting opportunity. The President fell short for students. We cannot grow our middle class without a strong investment in higher education. This moment requires significant action to address the massive affordability crisis facing the nation. Higher education must be accessible for everyone. The failure to deliver on debt-free college, expanded Pell, and student debt cancellation represents promises deferred for millions of students. President Biden can start taking action today with broad student loan debt cancellation, all he needs is a pen.

We must acknowledge the President has made progress and pulled us back from the chaos of the previous administration. He has had a long list, but it is crucial for him to deliver for young people during the remainder of his term. Young people are watching.”

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