Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Clearly, one of the most important issues in America today is the education of our children. A good education gives a child a solid base in life from which to build future successes.

I have always believed that decisions about educating our children should be made by parents, local school boards and educators -- not bureaucrats in Washington.

I have had the opportunity to speak with young students throughout the Third District of Nebraska. They are smart, sharp kids and we need to do everything we can to encourage them.

Unfortunately, however, many rural states have seen a "brain drain' in recent years. As the depletion occurs, we lose our most vital economic asset to more populated areas. Responsible policy is needed retain and grow our workforce to make our rural communities more competitive in the modern economy.

That is why I worked to make sure the College Opportunity and Affordability Act addresses this issue by encouraging Economic Development Partnerships. These partnerships would be formed between rural colleges and universities and rural employers.

This measure would provide additional career training to students attending rural schools in fields significant to the local economy. It also would encourage rural businesses to employ students once they graduate.

In Nebraska's Third Congressional District, we are lucky to have some of the best students, parents, teachers and administrators in the country. As a former educator myself, and having met with educators throughout our state, I know the challenges our communities face when it comes to educating students.

I will continue to work to make sure our rural communities are able to provide a quality education to the next generation of leaders.

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