FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 9, 2016

Contact: Sarah Schultz, sarah.schultz@younginvincibles.org, 202-734-6510

Young Invincibles’ Statement on the President’s Budget

[WASHINGTON]—The White House released the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget this morning, which feature a number of proposals that  affect young adults’ access to health care, higher education, and economic security.

Rory O’Sullivan, deputy director of Young Invincibles, issued the following statement on a few of its provisions:

“We are encouraged that the Administration has made addressing the economic challenges facing our generation a priority. Proposals to close the medicaid coverage gap and reform our higher education and training systems will help expand opportunity for young people across the country.

In particular, we support the inclusion of a number of provisions that will equip our generation with the skills needed to excel in the 21st century economy. This includes a five percent increase in funding for implementing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as well as $2 billion to support the expansion of apprenticeship programs over the next five years. In addition, we support the Administration’s inclusion of year-round Pell funding in their budget for the first time in several years; the proposal to streamline existing income-based repayment plans to make student loan repayment easier for borrowers to navigate; the call for revising the 90/10 rule down to 85/15; and closing the GI Bill loophole to ensure that deceptive for-profit actors are held accountable. Finally, the President’s proposal to extend Medicaid funding for states choosing to expand is critical for young people struggling to get health care coverage. This budget is a positive step forward for Millennials and Young Invincibles looks forward to continuing to advocate for these issues and others in the coming year.”

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