Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Education is the vehicle by which struggling families can move into the Middle Class and achieve the American Dream. It is imperative that we start providing our children the tools they need to succeed at an early age. That is why I support programs like Head Start and President Barack Obama's initiative to bring universal pre-school to every state in our country.

As a Member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, I understand the need to focus on STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Doing so will guarantee that our children can thrive in today's global job market. That is why I am an original co-sponsor of the "Stepping up to STEM Education Act," which would allow more federal resources to go into local school districts to promote STEM education.

Our country must also invest in higher education. A person with an Associates, Bachelors, or advanced degree can make over $1 million more during their lifetime than someone with a high school diploma. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional TRIO Caucus, I firmly believe in providing educational opportunities for all Americans. Federal TRIO Programs like Upward Bound provide low-income middle school and high school students with the guidance and academic support to apply, enroll, and graduate from college.

I am also a co-sponsor of the H.R. 551, the "Fast Track to College Act," which allocates federal grants to local school districts so they can offer dual enrollment and early college programs in high schools. This bill would allow school districts to compete for grant money that would allow students to receive both a high school diploma and an Associate's degree.

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