Issue Position: Improving Education
Issue Position
In order for America to maintain our preeminent role in the world, it is critical that we provide all students with a quality education and ensure that they have the ability to pursue higher education. Due to his commitment to education, Congressman Altmire sought and received a position on the House Committee on Education and Labor. From this position, he has taken a leading role in making college more affordable, improving early childhood education and reforming the No
Child Left Behind Act.
Making College More Affordable
Congressman Altmire played a key role in drafting and passing the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (H.R. 2669). At no new cost to tax payers, this legislation invests $20 billion in student financial aid which represents the single largest increase in financial aid since the GI bill became law more than 60 years ago. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act was signed into law on September 27, 2007.
Improving
Early Childhood Education
Congressman Altmire is an original cosponsor of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act (H.R. 1429). This legislation expands access to Head Start, strengthens the programs' focus on school readiness, improves Head Start teacher quality, and ensures taxpayer dollars fund only well-run programs. In addition, Congressman Altmire successfully amended the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act to help Head Start programs in rural areas confront the unique challenges that they face. The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act was signed into law on December 12, 2007.
Reforming No Child Left Behind
Congressman Altmire fully supports the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), to ensure that all students can perform math and read at grade level by the 2013 - 2014 school year. However, he believes that the law must be reformed so that it works better for students, parents, teachers, and administrators. One way Congressman Altmire has sought to reform NCLB is by authoring the Educational Advisor and Contractor Integrity Act (HR 3718). This legislation combats the conflicts of interest and mismanagement discovered in the Reading First program and prevents the same abuses from occurring in other programs authorized by NCLB.
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