U.S. President Joe Biden revealed plans to cancel $6 billion in student loans for 78,000 borrowers, marking a significant step in his administration’s efforts to alleviate student debt burdens, which now total nearly $150 billion.

This move comes after the Supreme Court blocked Biden’s broader $430 billion debt cancellation proposal last year. The beneficiaries of this latest announcement include public service workers, such as teachers, nurses, and firefighters, who qualify under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program initiated in 2007.

Biden emphasized the importance of supporting public service workers who have dedicated their careers to serving their communities.

He acknowledged the past administrative shortcomings that prevented these individuals from receiving the debt relief entitled to them by law. The cancellation aims to rectify these failures and provide much-needed financial relief to those who qualify.

The scale of student debt in the U.S. is staggering, with approximately 43.4 million borrowers holding a total of $1.63 trillion in outstanding loans as of June 2023.

This burden has tripled since the 2008 financial crisis, significantly impacting the financial prospects of younger Americans. High-interest rates and substantial payments on student loans have hindered individuals’ ability to invest in homes or pursue other economic opportunities.

While Democrats advocate for comprehensive debt relief measures, Republicans generally oppose such actions.

Biden’s initiative underscores his commitment to addressing the student debt crisis, especially as he seeks re-election in November and aims to secure support from young voters.

With this latest announcement, the total amount of debt cancellation under the Biden administration reaches $144 billion, benefiting nearly 4 million Americans.

The move reflects Biden’s determination to utilize all available tools to provide relief to borrowers and foster economic growth from the bottom up.