Issue Position: Educating Our Youth

Issue Position

I believe in the adage, "Education is the only sure way for many children to escape poverty."

Early Education, Preschool -- 12th Grade:

According to the Department of Education, in the 2010 -- 2011 school year, only 71 percent of students graduated from high school. It was an improvement from 2010, but falls far short of the national average. It is my belief that children in Louisiana deserve a better than average education. As a proud graduate of a New Orleans' public school I know that public education can work, if we invest in its success, empower teachers to do what works in instruction, and promote parental involvement.

To that end, I support protecting the US Department of Education from drastic cuts. A cut to any education program is tantamount to cutting our nose to spite our face. If we cut pre-school then, instead of setting up kids for success, we will set them for failure. If we slash literacy programs we will undermine the foundation of learning. If we cut college assistance--such as Pell Grants--we will price some out of higher education. I maintain that we cannot and should not play politics with our children's futures.

In the 2011 State of the Union address, President Obama challenged Congress to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world, in order compete globally. I believe that we can and must educate our way to a more prosperous future.

Higher Education:

I have fought hard to stop Subsidized Stafford Loan interest rates from doubling. More than 7 million students and their families rely on Stafford Loans to help pay for college. That is why I am committed to creating more opportunity and access to higher education by advocating for the students and families in pursuit of higher learning. I have also taken a lead role in Congress in our continued efforts to broaden the eligibility requirements and create more access to the Federal Parent Plus Loan Program (PPL). These loans were designed to assist college, graduate and professional school students by making low-cost loans available to those who want to continue their education. I will continue to fight to ensure higher education is affordable and accessible to all who seek it.

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