Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has taken the lead in a coalition of 23 states challenging the Biden Administration's Department of Education over what they describe as an "illegal attempt" to forgive student loans. The group has issued a formal notice, urging the withdrawal of a proposed rule they argue oversteps legal boundaries.

Bailey emphasized past successes against similar initiatives, stating, “We are 10-0 with the lawless Biden Administration in our fight to block their illegal redistribution of wealth. Missouri has successfully defended the American people’s tax dollars in court every time.” He also warned that further legal action would be considered if necessary.

The coalition outlines several reasons for opposing the rule: it allegedly grants unauthorized powers to the Secretary of Education, violates separation-of-power principles, includes inaccurate cost assessments, stems from a flawed rulemaking process, and seeks to implement extensive loan forgiveness during a transition period between administrations.

In their letter, the states argue that figures like President Joe Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have acknowledged limits on debt forgiveness authority outside Congress's specified ways. They urge adherence to these limitations.

The letter also highlights concerns about potential actions following regulation finalization. The states warn that this could conflict with voters' decisions regarding executive leadership changes.

Attorney General Bailey is joined by officials from Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia in this initiative.