Working for Accessibility to a Quality Education for All

Congressman Edwards believes education should primarily be a state and local responsibility, but the federal government must play an important supporting role, including providing states and local school districts the funding to achieve high standards of learning. Chet is also a strong supporter of Title I programs, including rural education funding, reading programs and Advanced Placement programs. He believes in character education and before and after school programs that enhance a student’s potential.

Congressman Edwards is a strong supporter of the GEAR UP program, for which he has secured federal funding in McLennan, Bosque, and Hill counties. He fervently believes that the college preparatory instruction, mentoring, counseling, outreach, and support services this program provides go a long way toward helping our most at-risk students stay in school while encouraging them to attend college. GEAR UP has provided outstanding academic enrichment and reinforcement to Central Texas students to help prepare them for college.

This year, Congress passed the Higher Education Reauthorization Act with Chet’s support. It improved rates and access to student financial assistance such as Pell grants, college work-study, and federally-insured loans, so that every hard-working student has an opportunity to attend college, regardless of his or her financial situation. With 7 colleges and universities in District 17, Chet has taken a stand against cuts to student financial aid and other vital education programs. Chet supported a budget for fiscal year 2009 that provides billions more than the President’s request for education programs. Chet has supported Supporting university programs for Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, Blinn College, Hill College and McLennan Community College.

Congressman Edwards’ top priorities for improving education include: