Democratic Candidates Oppose Student Loan Rate Hikes

Student Loan Rate Jumps in July: President Calls on Congress to Act

Idaho Democratic Congressional Candidates Support College Affordability

Unless Congress acts, college costs will climb for Idaho students when student loan interest rates double in July. That could also hurt Idaho’s business climate. President Obama is visiting universities this week to talk about the student loan issue and urge Congress to act. The president’s message comes as the Republican-dominated Idaho State Board of Education is noting that, in eight years, 63 percent of Idaho businesses will require workers with post-secondary degrees and certifications.

“Making college affordable is a key investment into the future of Idaho’s young people and Idaho’s competitiveness in the business world,” said Morgan Hill, Jr., president of Idaho Young Democrats. “Idaho needs to attract businesses to the state and keep businesses here. One way to do that is to make sure students can afford to get the education, skills and training that businesses require.”

If Congress does nothing, interest rates for new subsidized student loans are set to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1, causing at least 7 million students to be hit with an average of more than $1,000 in additional costs over the life of that loan.

Idahoans who want a strong economy should demand that candidates for Congress and for president support students, and make sure businesses have the workforce they need. Idaho Democratic Congressional candidates Nicole LeFavour and Jimmy Farris have both pledged to work at keeping college affordable for middle class families and young people. LeFavour has a proposal to incentivize universities to lower tuition and fees and to reduce student debt burden.

Vote for Branden Durst

Who is Branden Durst?

 In November 2006, Branden Durst was first elected to the Idaho House of Representatives by beating a long time incumbent. The race was never considered to be in doubt until Durst pulled out the surprise upset of the year. The campaign and what has followed demonstrate Branden's tireless devotion to public service.

Background
Branden Durst was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise, Idaho in January of 1980. He was raised in Southeast Boise and attended the local public schools through high school, where he became a third generation graduate of Boise High School. Branden went on to attend Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), where he studied political science, economics, and communication. While at PLU, Branden earned a scholarship for speech and debate. Additionally, Branden worked throughout this time to assist in paying for his college education.

 After graduating from PLU, Branden went on to graduate school, first at Kent State University and then to Claremont Graduate University (CGU), studying public policy analysis and international political economy, respectively. Prior to completing his degree at CGU, Branden returned to Boise and began working at Micron Technology in the strategic communication division. He completed his graduate coursework at Boise State University (BSU). During his time at BSU, Branden was awarded a research assistant position in the Department of Economics.

 In July of 2006, Branden and his wife Jaime were married in Bayview, Washington. Branden is the proud father of three boys, Nicholas (10), Broden (7), and Carter (4) and one daughter, Graciana (3). Branden is the managing partner of Rational Strategy Consulting, a market and policy research firm he operates along with his business partner. The Dursts fellowship at Vineyard Boise where they are puppeteers for the Children's Ministry. Branden enjoys going fishing, and watching international soccer.

Innovative Leadership
Branden's time in the Idaho House of Representatives was marked by his unique ability to think of new ideas to challenges that plague state government as well as his ability to think independently. Branden's supporters and critics agree that his approach to policymaking is unique and thoughtful. Branden credits this to his professional and academic background in policy analysis and a desire to make the right decision, not necessarily the popular one.

In his first legislative session, Branden was the only member of the House Business Committee to oppose legislation that would have mandated that individuals give results from DNA tests to insurance companies so that they could be used against them in setting rates. Despite being a relative newcomer, Branden's independence and thoughtfulness were on full display as he led the charge in the House to defeat this intrusive policy. This was only one of many other examples where Branden has shown his unique qualities that make him an innovative leader.

In the 2010 legislative session, Branden once again demonstrated his knack for innovation. In this case, Branden was the co-author and co-sponsor of the Mastery Advancement Pilot Project (MAPP). MAPP was designed as a completely voluntary program to assist gifted students accelerate through course curriculum at their pace. The program was widely accepted and acclaimed as, "the most innovative education concept to hit the Statehouse since the late 1990s (Idaho Press Tribune Editorial, March 7, 2010)." MAPP was passed with large, bipartisan margins in both the House and the Senate. The process Branden went through in the development of MAPP is a perfect illustration of his commitment to bipartisanship.

Branden served on three standing committees in the House; Education, Business, and Health & Welfare. In addition, Branden's expertise in the technology sector was utilized as an appointed member of the Information Technology Resource Management Council, the State of Idaho's primary IT strategy group.


For more information, including Durst on the issues, see: durstforidaho.com
Twitter: @DurstforIdaho
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Betty Richardson will provide new leadership for Boise, Idaho District 15

"Let's work together for Idaho's future!"

A note from the candidate

It’s high time the Idaho Legislature started serving the best interests of Idahoans rather than catering to specialinterests.  Idahoans want a stronger economy, better jobs, and public schools that help every child succeed.  

High priced lobbyists often have other priorities.  But Idaho needs legislators who are dedicated to issues that everyday Idahoans care about. It is time for new leadership.  I am running for the state senate to help strengthen Idaho families, protect Idaho communities, and build an economy that works for all Idahoans!

In the state senate, I will support legislation that will:

*  Promote quality public schools

*  Increase government accountability

*  Help working families

*  Promote transparency and accountability in government; and

*  Protect and preserve our unique quality of life

I will bring to the Idaho Legislature the values I learned from my parents – respect for others, compassion, frugality, honesty and hard work.  The people of District 15 will always come first with me, and I will work to consistently represent their interests.

I welcome your input and ask for your support. Let’s work together for Idaho’s future!