By Justin Sokola and Denaya Christopherson
Special to the Live Wire

Making education affordable was the main message during a session at Manchester Community College held by Rep. John B. Larson of the First Congressional District March 30. Held in the Great Path Academy Community Commons, the free session drew about 60 attendees to discuss college affordability and student debt.

As attendees munched on pizza and other refreshments, Larson encouraged students to get personally involved in government. He also spoke about his support for a refinancing of student debt and an affordable college education.

“I represent you, but you are the government,” said Larson, adding that students need to be vocal about their need for an affordable education. “You are the people of this nation who comprise that government. Rise up. Speak out. It’s in your own financial interest to do so.”

Students had many questions for Larson regarding how the overall $1.2 trillion in loan debt could be solved. Larson recommended students band together to make their opinions heard.

The message resonated with Jon Ritchings, a business office technology medical option major at MCC.

“He is basically right about people needing to band together and speaking up,” said Ritchings, “because if no one says a word then no possible movement for change could happen.”

Some relief could have come from the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act proposed last May by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and co-sponsored by more than 20 other senators, including the two from Connecticut, would have allowed refinancing for federal and student loans to lower rates that are similar to those new borrowers pay. But the bill died in the Senate in June.

Students will stay concerned as the tuition for the 12 community colleges was just raised by the Board of Regents. The 4.8 percent increase takes effect in the fall.