NEW: Hinckley Says 'Political Games' are Getting in Way of Student Loan Debate

NEW: Hinckley Says 'Political Games' are Getting in Way of Student Loan Debate

With the Senate stuck in a stalemate over how to prevent federal student loan rates from doubling by July, Republican candidate Barry Hinckley is accusing Democrats of playing political games instead of working to help students and recent college graduates.

“I want to congratulate those representatives on both sides of the aisle that came together in order to help our recent college graduates despite a veto threat by the President,” Hinckley said. “Students across the country, and especially Rhode Island, are now struggling to find a job more than ever. The unemployment rate for 20-24 year olds is an embarrassing 13.2%. And now, at a time when so many young adults are trying to make ends meet, we have career politicians playing political games. It is shameful.”

According to the Economic Policy Institute, more than half of college graduates can’t find work or can’t find work to match their skills. Close to half (42%) of recent graduates are back living with their parents according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

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Hinckley said his goal is to get people back to work.

“What we need, and one of the reasons I am running, is a pro-growth economic policy,” he said. “The young entrepreneurial spirit has been dampened by the continued failed policies of Washington insiders. We need to resurrect the private sector and get our graduates into the jobs that they have worked so hard for. The time is over for political theatre and campaign gimmicks. It’s time to get these kids back to work. It’s time to get Rhode Island back to work. It’s time for our elected officials to look out for us.”