Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

KEEPING THE PROMISE OF A QUALITY EDUCATION ALIVE

Bill often says that so much of what he has achieved in his life is due to the quality education that he received. Today, the American Dream of attending college has been inching away from our children. The average tuition at a public four-year university has tripled in the past three decades, and student loans are harder, not easier to come by and pay off.

Higher education is not just an integral investment for the student; it is a key component of a successful, future economy for our country. Without well-educated, better-trained generations, America will not be on the same playing field with international competitors. Continued investments in programs that partner local schools, community colleges, and workforce development initiatives with students and young workers will create a strong and viable workforce, and subsequently a stronger economy.

To sustain the American Dream for all students and for America to fully compete in the global marketplace, Bill believes we need to be spending more time and resources on providing our younger generations with an affordable, quality education that will not leave them with thousands of dollars in debt.

*Cosponsored the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, which gives students the opportunity to refinance their student loan debt, the same way homeowners are able to refinance their mortgage. This bill will allow for refinancing at the same low-rate being offered new borrowers and eases the burden of sky-high student loan interest rates.
*Secured $1,406,030 in Head Start funding for Cape Cod Child Development Program in Hyannis from the Department of Health and Human Services.
*Consistently voted in favor of increasing or maintaining the maximum Pell Grant award.
*Cosponsored the Children of Fallen Heroes Act, which would allow children of police officers and firemen killed in the line of duty greater access to Pell grants without regard to their deceases parent's benefits

*Cosponsored the Workforce Investment Act of 2012, which authorizes funding for community colleges to expand their capacity to train workers in high-growth industries, such as healthcare, transportation, and advanced manufacturing.
*Secured $3 million in grant funding for workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and STEM education for Cape Cod Community College. This is the largest grant the college has ever received

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