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Samantha Seng, Legislative Director & Policy Advisor at NextGen Policy, joined #EquityChat to discuss education equity and policy. She shared her passion for fighting for students and ending her story as a first-generation student. Seng's walk-up song is "Won't Stand Down" by Muse, symbolizing her commitment to standing up for what's right. She wants people to know that she's been interested in education policy since 5th grade, thanks to her teacher Mrs. Morgan, and aims to bring her voice to the decision-making table. NextGen Policy's legislative priorities include the #CalGrantEquityFramework, eliminating institutional debt, and addressing basic needs like food and housing. Seng believes the "Big E" goal is to eliminate debt-financed higher education, while the "Small E" goal is to have a coordinating higher ed entity to set statewide goals. She also discussed the importance of debt forgiveness and relief programs, and the role educators play in advocating for legislation and policies that impact their work and students.