Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

As the son of a school teacher, I know that education is the best investment we can make in our nation's future. A solid education will enable Americans to compete in the global workforce, earn decent wages, and have a fair shot at obtaining the American dream.

Because education is essential to achieving success later in life, policymakers must ensure that K-12 institutions not only have the resources necessary to deliver a quality education, but also have measurements in place, like those created by the Race to the Top Program, to guarantee student achievement.

In looking at higher education, the rising cost of a college education continues to squeeze millions of students and families who rely on access to an affordable education to meet their long-term goals.

No one should be denied the opportunity to go to college simply because of the cost. Unfortunately, tuition at four-year public colleges has grown substantially in recent years, resulting in students and families taking on significant amounts of debt, postponing college, or skipping it altogether due to cost.

As the lead Democratic co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation to help make the funding for the disadvantaged more equitable, I have been working to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which expired in 2011. In the meantime, I supported North Carolina's request for a waiver from ESEA requirements, so our schools could continue to receive federal funding. I also voted in favor of legislation to expand volunteering opportunities to 250,000 Americans, reinvigorate early education initiatives and promote healthy school lunches. Important steps have been taken, but Congress must continue working to ensure that every American has access to an affordable education. I will continue to do what I can to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity at success.

Source