Community leaders, students, parents, of California’s 22nd district gathered together on Apr. 23  at a roundtable discussion to speak about their concerns on the recent attacks on higher education to Representative David Valadao CA-D and his staff members, though they did not make an appearance.

The event, co-hosted by Parent Institute for Quality Education with UC Student Association and the Student Borrowers programs, aimed for an appearance from Rep. Valadao who has recently been criticized for his leaning on cutting federal programs, especially for education.

“I’m a little disappointed, and disheartening that he didn’t make an appearance, we all have busy schedules.” said Marcila Diaz, Executive Vice President of ASI and a business major at CSUB. “I get it, but it almost feels like this was not a priority.”

Diaz, a first generation college student has been a role model for her younger brother by achieving success by being involved in many leadership roles, participating in clubs, and as a student athlete. Yet it hasn’t been easy, given that she has been taking care of her grandparents while struggling with student loan debt.

Although she feels fortunate that her student loan debt isn’t out of control, she was hoping to share her story to Rep. Valadao to understand the obstacles students are facing while attending school, especially those in low income families that struggle to pay for school due to cost of living.

Paying for higher education has now become a more of a challenge for parents especially those with low income jobs. Virginia Ramirez, a local mother had hoped for her two children to go to university, knowing it might be their only chance to achieve more in life, however she is sacrificing herself to make it a reality.

As her daughter moved to a more prestigious high school, she realized how much more opportunities those students had for financial help and resources, feeling that policy makers are leaving working class families behind to pay for their children’s education, as the cost of college is increasing.

“No puedo evitar viendo esto como algo racista cuando los estudiantes que van a la esquela en un mal lugar tienen menos oportunidades, a diferencia de los estudiantes más afortunados,” dijo Virginia 

“We heard very compelling stories today, unfortunately the person who we hoped would hear these stories could not make it, though I think he should invest in his constituents and his community and not billionaires,” said Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director for Student Borrower Protection Center.

The SPBC focuses on eliminating debt for students in the United States claims over 45 million Americans owe up to $1.7 trillion in loan debt, and Banez believes that cutting any resources to forgive student loans could hurt Americans trying to find a better future.

Despite  Rep. Valadao absence lleana Lopez, Vice President of external relations said that the roundtable was still productive and sharing difficult struggles or experience helps the community find solutions.

Lopez confirmed that Valadao’s team reached out to schedule a private follow up meeting.