Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

As a former member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I understand the important role education plays in this country and the life of every American. I believe that all students should be afforded an opportunity to progress academically and socially. It is important that a quality education is offered to every student in America. Whether a student plans to attend a four-year university or enter into the workforce right out of high school, they should be adequately prepared through our education system for a successful journey.

First and foremost, I strongly believe that Texans know how to educate Texans best. Traditionally, the federal government plays a limited role in how schools are financed, and states and local governments have the predominant role in driving and implementing education policy. I support improving and enhancing school funding, I also believe that states and local communities should have maximum primary control over how those funds are spent.

Since 2003, I have worked with local and state officials to ensure the development of higher education facilities in the district. These schools also help address the growing physician and nurse shortage, by training residents and attracting future physicians and nurses to the district. My office helped to facilitate the opening of East Williamson County Higher Education Center (TSTC and Temple College), Texas State Nursing School, Texas A&M Medical School, and Texas A&M Central Texas.

One problem facing our education system today is the price of a college education. Having put four children through college, I understand what a difficult financial burden a higher education can be. From textbooks to the rising cost of tuition, I believe it is important that Congress help make our higher education system more accessible to all students while also providing transparency in tuition costs. This is why on May 23, 2013, I helped support H.R. 1911 now named the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013. This legislation prevents student loan rates from doubling, moves to a permanent market-based interest rate for federal student loans, bases interest rates on the 10-year Treasury note, and places a caps on interest rates.

I believe that everyone in America should have the opportunity to receive a college education. The education system is one of America's strongest assets and contributes to the success and growth of our country. Education is the key to not only individual achievement, but also to our competitiveness as a nation. I assure you as Congress continues to discuss the issues surrounding the higher education community, I will work to ensure that students are provided the highest quality education at a reasonable price.

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