Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

As a former member of the Columbus Board of Education I am committed to ensuring that central Ohioans receive a quality public education. My two daughters received a top notch education in Ohio public schools and their schooling helped them to grow as students, reach their goals, and be successful at their respective colleges.

Investing in education is a national priority, ensuring students are able to realize their full potential, graduate ready for college, and successfully compete in a global marketplace. My support of the Recovery Act facilitated historic investments in education including allocating 1.6 billion dollars to our state to better our children's education.

However, our state needs more funds to strengthen our education system in Ohio. That is why I have joined Governor Strickland, State Board of Education President Deborah Cain, and other education stakeholders in Ohio to apply for the Race to the Top grant so that our schools and teachers can provide a first-class education to Ohio students.

Lastly, like many students in central Ohio, I had to work my way through college to pay for my tuition. That is why I have fought to make college more affordable for Ohio families and students. I recently supported the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act which makes the single largest investment in higher education in history. This bill will significantly benefit Ohio's college students by increasing the maximum annual Pell Grant Scholarship, increasing funding for the College Access Challenge Grant program, and providing reliable, affordable, high-quality Federal loans to students. Now more than ever, Americans need affordable, quality education opportunities to help them enter the workforce successfully. With my support, the Student and Fiscal Responsibility Act will assure students that their college education will be more affordable, their loans will be more reliable, and that paying back their debt will be easier than ever.

Providing an affordable education for Americans prepares our next generation of leaders for success. A strong economy means an educated workforce, and I am committed to giving Ohio's students the resources they need to rise to the top in whatever field they choose.

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