Issue Position: Education: Ensuring Opportunity for All Houstonians

Issue Position

Nothing is more essential to Houston's sustained economic success and quality of life than educating the next generation of Houstonians. As your Congressman, I will be committed to leading the charge to better prepare all of Houston's children for prosperous, successful futures.

Education is the ultimate equalizer for people across all socioeconomic statuses. All of Houston's children need libraries to continue their learning outside of school. All of Houston's children need access to quality educational opportunities. All of Houston's children need safe and stable communities to support their growth and development.

The achievement gap starts early, and Houston must recognize the critical need to provide our city's future with an early foundation for a life of success. If we're going to create a safer Houston for all of us, it starts by making an early investment in our children with full-day, high quality pre-K for all Houston children. Full-day, high quality pre-k not only strengthens a child's overall performance in grades K through 12, but also makes it far less likely for them to be arrested for a felony or be incarcerated as young adults. As your Congressman, I will to provide Federal dollars to fund early childhood education. In 2013, I was one of the key supporters of Houston's local campaign to fund early childhood education in Houston. Study after study proves that educating kids at the earliest ages provides communities with the largest bang for their buck. High-quality pre-kindergarten education helps children succeed while saving lives and taxpayer dollars in the future.

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