Hanna Zinn | Blogger

Iowans are fortunate to hold the first-in-the-nation caucus, meaning candidates practically live in the state during the months leading up to Feb. 1. On Buena Vista University’s campus, we’ve been lucky enough to have a number of candidates stop by and talk to students.

Iowa also gets to hold the next Democratic debate. During this debate in Des Moines, we will hear many different ideas and promises. One promise I sincerely hope we hear: to make addressing the federal debt a priority.

Today our nation’s debt totals about $18.5 trillion – and continues to grow. In 2030, I will have been out of college for 14 years, and hope to have paid off my student debt. Meanwhile, unless Washington changes course, the nation’s debt will not yet be paid off. Instead, projections indicate that we will see 100 percent of federal revenue used to pay just for interest and mandatory spending programs.

Thinking about the amount of debt I will have after graduating is tough, but I’m making sure I plan for the future. The presidential candidates do that, too. The upcoming debate is the perfect time for them to show Iowans – and the rest of the nation – how their plans for the future will take care of the nation’s debt.