Johanns opposes student loan bill

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., says his concern for Nebraska families is driving his opposition to legislation that would turn control of student loans over to the government -- not lobbying from private student loan provider Nelnet Inc. of Lincoln.

Johanns is taking umbrage with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan's recent warning to colleges and universities to be ready to offer direct loans to students by next school year.

Johanns says Duncan's call is presumptuous, given that the bill hasn't yet been taken up by the Senate.

The Center for Responsive Politics says Nelnet Inc. contributed $24,200 to Johanns in the 2008 election cycle.

But Johanns says his main concern is the impact the proposal would have on "about 1,000 families in Lincoln."

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