ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing measures to fight the crushing burden of student loan debt.

The Democratic governor says his proposed reforms build on the Excelsior Scholarship, which makes New York's public universities tuition-free for middle class families.

Cuomo proposes creating a student loan ombudsman in the state Department of Financial Services to help resolve student complaints, educate borrowers and assist students in default.

He also proposes requiring colleges to provide truth-in-lending facts for students, and increasing consumer protection standards in the student loan industry.

Cuomo proposes prohibiting state agencies from suspending professional licenses of people behind or in default on their student loans.

The proposals will be part of his State of the State address on Wednesday.

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