Education

Education is the greatest investment we can make in our country’s future. Americans need a national commitment from Congress to strengthen our schools, fully fund special education, and modernize our classrooms. I am committed to providing high quality education to all of America’s children and creating a nation ready for the challenges of the 21st century.

Rest assured, the new Democratic-led Congress is also dedicated to achieving the goals that were neglected for so many years under Republican leadership. This year, my colleagues and I passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the largest increase in college aid since the GI Bill of 1944. This significant new law boosts college aid by about $20 million over the next five years by slashing interest rates on federal student loans and increasing the Pell Grant Scholarship Program, all without creating any new costs for taxpayers.

Additionally, I support specific steps to promote opportunity by strengthening our schools. These steps include boosting college opportunity and affordability, improving teacher quality, and funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and repairing No Child Left Behind (NCLB). I also support public-private partnerships to modernize our schools and expanding opportunities.

Click here to read about the Special Order Hour I hosted urging support for young children, working families, and early childhood educators.

Click here to read a letter I signed to Secretary Spelling regarding Florida’s Title I schools.