Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

In Iowa, we believe the way to a better life is a good education. Our children and grandchildren must not only compete with students in other states, they must also compete with students in Europe, China and India. This means our schools must be world quality.

This will not happen just because we wish it so. We must invest in education. Today young children must not only learn the three Rs, they must learn new technology, new languages, and new job skills. And our classrooms from Algona to Cedar Rapids must have the latest technology so our kids have the tools they need to lead in the next generation.

What can the federal government do? Schools across Iowa and the country are facing closings and layoffs. Class sizes are increasing and arts and music classes are being cut. As a U.S. Senator, I will assure funding for our K-12 schools, so that we can retain teachers in the classroom and advance our educational opportunities, rather than retreat from them.

Education is facing another crisis. As the baby-boomers retire from the classroom, we must encourage a new generation to enter the field. Some of our best and brightest college students are choosing the private sector and higher wages rather than becoming classroom teachers. The federal government can provide funds to help schools raise salaries. And we can create incentives, such as tuition reimbursement, to convince young people to become teachers, especially in rural areas and in low-achieving schools.

Learning does not begin in kindergarten and end in high school. Today, we know that children begin learning when they are just one or two. We need more preschools so that our little ones can start kindergarten ready to learn.

Keeping students in school is critical to ending the cycle of crime and poverty that haunt many families. Not all students will go on to college. Therefore, we must encourage schools and businesses to work together, linking students with the skills they need for the workforce. One idea is tax credits for small businesses that provide apprenticeships and mentoring programs for students.

For those who do wish to pursue a higher education, the cost of a college or university education can be daunting. The American Opportunity tax credit has helped many families. It should be made permanent and increased from $2500 to $4000 a year. In addition, the U.S. Senate should follow the House of Representatives by passing legislation to shift federal loan programs to a direct lending model, saving money for both students and the federal government. We must work toward making sure that every single child who has the ability and the desire to get a 4 year college education can do so.

Community colleges are also important, providing job training for young people and new job skills for workers who have been laid off or who are seeking a new career. During the recession, enrollment in community colleges has sky-rocketed. We should increase funding for the Perkins Career and Technical Education program and to expand online opportunities for learning.

Although we are still struggling with the effects of the world-wide recession, we must not give up on our children and their future. Education is as important today, or more so, than it was in the past. Making our schools the best in the world is a priority we all share.

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