Issue Position: A Quality Education at Every Age

Issue Position

Investments in learners -- from toddlers through college and technical students -- are critical to the success of our families and our economy. Bob is committed to making sure every student, at every age, has access to a quality education that will set them up for successful careers.

As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Bob passed key improvements to our K-12 education system into law as part of the 2015 Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization. He believes that every student deserves an education that works for them, and has been a voice for students with disabilities, for keeping kids in school, and for children transitioning from pre-K to kindergarten.

Bob is also dedicated to enrolling more children in pre-K programs, because when children learn more earlier in life, they will earn more when they enter the workforce. He believes that college should be affordable and safe, and has been a leader in the fight against campus sexual assault and to preserve the health of our federal grant and loan system.

During his time in the Senate, Bob has:

Fought for expanded access to early childhood education for children in low-income families.
Shaped the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the 2015 reauthorization of ESEA, adding language to help students with disabilities access the education they deserve, keep kids in school by reducing suspensions and expulsions, give teachers evidence-based professional development and include computer science education as a part of wider STEM training.
Passed the Campus SaVE Act, which provides transparency in university sexual assault reporting and hearing processes, ensures that students know their rights and requires comprehensive bystander education for incoming students.
Worked across the aisle on plans to improve access to technical training and community college courses for high-demand, skilled jobs.
Championed Pell Grants and the Perkins Loan program, to keep college within reach for students from working families.

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