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Education |
A strong public education system is the very foundation of a democracy because of its ability to offer equal opportunities to all citizens. However our country’s commitment to its education system has continued to shrink and now makes up a diminutive portion of the federal budget. Studies have shown that those who complete at least a high school education will be more economically productive, more likely to vote and be civically engaged, less likely to commit crimes, or become a burden to the state. Therefore each dollar invested in education is an investment in the overall economy. Congress can make this investment by renewing their commitment to funding K-12 education, work to keep higher education affordable and take steps to prepare students for a globally competitive marketplace. Solid Commitment to K-12 Education Affordable Access to Higher Education Improving American Competitiveness in Higher Education ![]() Solid Commitment to K-12 Education
Funding for all education programs currently takes up less than 1% of the Federal Budget; it’s not surprising that we are seeing a crisis in our public school system. Lagging test scores, growing class sizes, consistent cuts to arts, music and physical education are only a few of the symptoms of an education system in distress. With the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act looming, there is great opportunity to renew our commitment to America’s children. Congressman Blumenauer supports addressing key problems in NCLB such as increasing federal investment to meet its promises, using growth models to track student progress, measuring students with disabilities differently, recognizing the challenges of English Language Learners, and others. Congressman Blumenauer does not support the shift toward private vouchers and heavy handed sanctions against already disadvantages schools. Affordable Access to Higher Education
A college education has always served as a passport to success and as America moves to a more knowledge-based economy, a college education is becoming more essential for even entry-level jobs. Unfortunately a college degree is growing increasingly out of reach for many. Skyrocketing tuition costs and waning government investment has added to the problem. During the 2006-2007 school year, the average tuition, fee, room and board charges for in-state students at public institutions was $12,796. To attend a four year private college, the average tuition was $22, 218. ![]()
Congressman Blumenauer has continued his commitment to keep higher education affordable for all by advocating for, and successfully passing the College Cost Reduction and Opportunity Act which will cut interest rates on student loans in half over the next five years. The Congressman also fought for major increases in Pell grants, the most successful program for getting financial aid to low-income students, as well as Perkins Loans. He has also consistently supported legislation focusing on investment in programs for veterans and part-time students. Improving American Competitiveness in the Global Marketplace
As the marketplace become increasingly global, American students are competing worldwide for not only the top jobs, but to keep the United States on the cutting edge of science and technology. Unfortunately recent trends have shown that American students are falling behind in test scores in core subjects like math and sciences, as well as strategic subjects like foreign languages. While we must work to improve the basics, cutting schools programs like arts and music stymies the innovation and creativity that has traditionally spurred the entrepreneurial spirit that has made the United States a global leader. ![]()
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