Background

The AMA-MSS has prioritized student debt as a key advocacy issue. In recent years, the MSS, in concert with the AMA, has worked diligently to impact key legislative bills that have come before Congress on various student debt issues. MSS students have been successful in getting their voices heard through various lobbying activities, such as letter-writing campaigns. The following documents have been devised along the way and will give you an idea of how to lobby for student debt issues in the future.

Economic Hardship/Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans Letter to the Senate
AMA-Medical Student Section Letter to the Senate regarding the Higher Education Act reauthorization.

Higher Education Act (HEA) letter to the Department of Education
AMA letter sent to the Department of Education regarding the Higher Education Act HEA.

Single Holder Rule form letter
AMA-MSS form letter to Congress in support of H.R. 3273, Consolidation Student Loans Flexibility Act of 2001.

Letter to Governor Pataki (NY) regarding tuition increases
Letter to Governor Pataki, New York, regarding tuition increases at SUNY medical schools.

Letter regarding the exclusion of health professions' scholarships from gross income
AMA letter written in support of HR 885, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain scholarships related to health professions.

Letter to Rep. English regarding student loan interest deduction
AMA letter to Rep. English in support of HR 436, which would repeal the dollar limitation on the deduction for interest on education loans.

Student loan interest deduction form letter
AMA form letter in support of HR 436, which would advance tax relief for all students through an enhanced deduction of student loan interest.

Affordable Education Act of 2001 form letter
AMA form letter to support and expand the Affordable Education Act of 2001.