President Obama is set to announce a new program on Wednesday that the White House says will help lower interest rates on student-loans. He will unveil the proposal during an appearance in Colorado. The plan will allow students who hold both government and private loans to consolidate both into one low-interest government loan. The announcement comes as the president continues to highlight ways his administration can boost the economy through executive actions that don’t require approval from Congress. Obama has expressed frustration with lawmakers, who have held up his jobs plan on Capital Hill. Anya Kamenetz is author of “DIY U” and a senior writer for Fast Company magazine. She’s written “The EduPunks’ Guide to a DIY Credential,” a free book published in conjunction with the Gates Foundation that “comprehensive guide to learning online and charting a personalized path to an affordable credential.” She talks about the benefits and shortcomings of the president’s plan.
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