Issue Position: Helping Our Students Achieve a Higher Education

Issue Position

I was the first in my family to graduate from college. That achievement did not come without assistance in the form of working multiple jobs, financial aid, student loans, and the Veterans Education Assistance Program.

Middle-class families are struggling to send their children to college because it is unaffordable. It's outrageous that so many students and their families have to take on crushing amount of debt just to get the education they need to compete in our economy. What makes it worse is that they are paying higher interest rates than they should.

We need to do everything in our power to make college more affordable including lowering interest rates for government backed loans, allowing students to refinance their loans, just like mortgages and car loans, expanding the Pell Grant program, and pushing universities to keep costs down if they want to continue to receive federal research dollars and other aid. I would also work to implement President Obama's proposal to allow for two years of tuition-free community college to allow students to take their first step toward a college education or get the career technical education they need to be competitive in today's global economy.

My education changed my path in life, and I am working to make sure all students have that same chance. I introduced my Degrees Not Debt Act to restore the power of Pell Grants, ensure more families receive the full Pell Grant amount and incentivize states to invest in higher education. As student aid falls short and student debt continues to rise, we must stand up for students.

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