
PULSE on Politics
Welcome to PULSE on Politics, the political podcast for Pulse of the Great Lakes. We are dedicated to the issues affecting the Great Lakes Basin Region and the broader national and international landscape. In a time of rising environmental and political unrest, Pulse on Politics serves as a beacon for those who care about the future of our communities, our waters, and our rights.
Through in-depth discussions and insightful analysis, we examine the intersection of policy, activism, and the environment—putting the spotlight on the Great Lakes, where the pulse of political change is felt intensely. From local challenges to national debates, we provide a platform for stories that matter, offering both critical reflections and calls to action.
Join us as we explore how the decisions we make today will define the health of our region and the future of our democracy, and yes, we here at Pulse on Politics and Pulse of the Great Lakes support a true democracy - fervently and unapologetically. Together, we’ll protect the spirit of our Great Lakes, and fight for a just, sustainable tomorrow.
PULSE on Politics
BONUS: The Big Ugly Bill Breakdown: Student Loans & Education (Ep 3)
They didn’t just kill student loan forgiveness—they reached into people’s lives and torched promises that were already in progress. In this episode, we break down how the Big Ugly Bill gutted SAVE, PSLF, and every income-based repayment plan we’ve relied on for decades—and how millions of borrowers are now stuck paying full balances with interest for the rest of their lives.
Then we dive into the so-called Workforce Pell Grant—a bait-and-switch gift to trade school students that sounds generous but excludes nearly 80% of real programs. If you thought the alternative to college was safe, think again. This isn’t reform. It’s punishment—for not being wealthy.
Episode Resources
Note: This is just a small sampling of resources on this Big Ugly Bill. DuckDuckGo is your friend.
~ H.R.1 The Big Beautiful Bill Act
~ Bipartisan Policy Center: Workforce Pell Grant
~ The Brookings Insitute: The Case for Doubling the Pell Grant
~ Financial Times: Millions Face Collections
~ New America: Bad Policy Gotten Worse: Short Term Pells
~ Inside Higher Ed: What's Next
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