Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

David strongly believes one of the single most important investments we can make as a nation is in the continual education of our children. In order for us to compete successfully as a nation, and for our children and young-adults to thrive in a global economy, we must ensure our students are prepared to succeed and that we eliminate the financial obstacles that keep far too many young people from pursuing a higher education or training for a career.

To ensure our children get off to a strong start in education and in life, David supported efforts to set aside a portion of federal Race to the Top funds for an Early Learning Challenge Grant and supported Rhode Island's application for funding through the program. In December 2011, Rhode Island was selected as one of nine states to receive $50 million through the Early Learning Challenge Grant program -- helping to create high-quality early learning and health systems for Rhode Island's youngest children. David has also co-sponsored the Success in the Middle Act to provide resources to middle school students most in need. David is also working to champion Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and has co-sponsored the STEM Education Innovation Act to ensure our students have the training and tools they need to make our state a leader in innovation and industry. David has been working with state and local leaders to bring greater attention and resources for career and technical education, career counseling, internships and externships, and the development of skill sets that meet the demands of employers in the modern economy.

In this tough economy, we have to make some hard choices. David believes that investing in public education is a better choice than protecting billions of dollars in Big Oil subsidies or extending tax breaks for companies that are shipping jobs overseas. While Republicans are trying to slash education spending, leaders like David know that that we can cut our deficit while simultaneously investing in our future, as long as we have the right priorities. David has been an advocate for robust and sustainable, funding for critical programs under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) -- including those aimed at improving academic achievement, teacher training, and school facilities. Furthermore, it's expected that the majority of new jobs over the next decade will require at least some post-secondary education. Students should not be forced to saddle themselves with a lifetime of debt in exchange for the required education that will gain them access to a career and entrance to the middle class. That's why David has been a strong advocate for protecting and strengthening Pell Grants, and has co-sponsored legislation to prevent the interest rates on federal loans from doubling.

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