Issue Position: Education & College Affordability

Issue Position

Throughout my career I have worked to improve the quality of education for all students, so they can achieve their dreams.
Our schools should support the growth of our children in more than just education. That is why I voted "yes" to provide $2.7 billion to restart operations and assist displaced students affected by Hurricane Irma.
I have supported public schools that provide a quality education to all children and make the college more than a dream -- but a reality. I also understand the fear and strain student loan debt puts on our families and students.

That's why I have fought to increase funding to K-12 schools and working across party lines to make college more affordable.

In Congress, I introduced the Student Opportunity Act (H.R. 3346) to allow individuals with high federal student loan debt to refinance their loans at a lower rate and eliminate the tax penalty for loan balance forgiveness.

I have also supported and sponsored the following legislation in Congress:

The College Student Hunger Act (H.R. 3875) which expands the eligibility for students to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program and fight student hunger.
The Student Aid Enhancement Act (H.R. 4662) this bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1865 to exclude the income and assets of dependent students in the calculation of the expected family contribution for said students.
HBCU Parity Act (H.R. 5122) which provides mandatory funding for grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges.

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