Burton Fights for Sallie Mae Jobs

Through Obama's proposed student loan plan, Sallie Mae in Fishers is in danger of losing jobs. Dan Burton is doing all he can to fight for his Sallie Mae constituents in Fishers. Mary McDermott documents his view in a WishTV 8 article.

The administration said having the government handle federal loans directly would save taxpayers billions of dollars each year.

Indiana Congressman Dan Burton said he'll fight the effort.

"If the government goes into the direct lending program in its entirety, I think it will be inefficient, it will end up being more costly, it will not be able to provide the services that they provide here. And I think that will be a real detriment to education," said Congressman Burton.

Congressman Burton also held a meeting yesterday to discuss the issue with Sallie Mae employees. HoosierAccess summarizes the question and answer session that took place. Below are Congressman Burton's closing remarks.

“Jobs are just about everything to my constituents. In this very tough economy, the Obama administration is trying to expand government control to the point where they are going to suck the wind out of the private sector in central Indiana. The employees I spoke with at Sallie Mae today are staring that reality in the face, and I came here to let them know that I’m supportive of them and their company.

“Sallie Mae has an extremely important role in higher education, and, in the long run, direct lending from the Federal government will be less efficient, more costly, and their service will pale in comparison to what Sallie Mae offers students today. Above all, a transition to government control of student loans will cost Sallie Mae thousands of jobs. I think that is wrong, and I will do everything possible to make sure the Federal government does not replace Sallie Mae.”