I am writing in response to the article looking to raise the tax credit to help people pay back student loans, “Legislature eyes a simplified, expanded credit to help Mainers pay student debt,” Jan. 28.

Why is there such a push to assist in paying back these loans? No one mandated these kids to borrow money to attend school, just as no one mandated me to borrow money to buy a house and a car. It’s the route we have taken to acquire these things. Paying back student loans is no different from paying a mortgage and auto loan. It requires working, budgeting and sacrificing. I’ve done it as did millions of other people.

What kind of message is this sending? Borrow what you need but you don’t have to pay it all back. I wish there was a car loan tax credit. Maybe then I could be driving a Mercedes Benz instead of a Toyota.

Donald Fournier

Waterville