Congressman Sander Levin

Education

Our children are competing in an increasingly competitive global economy. To ensure their continued success we must do more to make certain that America's schools are second to none. The quality of education our children receive profoundly impacts their future, as well as the future of our nation as a whole. Many of our schools are excellent, but too many schools around the nation fall short of a passing grade.

I believe we must set high standards for our students, demand accountability from our schools, and preserve local control of our schools. The federal government must also back them up with adequate resources for our schools and for targeted programs like those that help train teachers and reduce class size.

In recent years, college costs have grown substantially. With two-thirds of the jobs created in Michigan over the next decade expected to require post-secondary education and training, I have made increasing access to higher education a top priority at home and in Washington D.C.

During the 110th Congress, two major bills aimed at removing obstacles to higher education have been signed into law. The [College Cost Reduction Act of 2007] represented the single largest investment in college student aid since the GI Bill in 1944. The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 went even further, simplifying the application process for federal student aid and providing greater access to information on tuition and other costs of higher education.

I also recently introduced the Employee Educational Assistance Act of 2007 to permanently extend a $5,250 tax benefit which can be offered to employees to further their education. The important benefit is offered by almost 71% of employers to help their employees obtain additional skills to advance their careers.

• Making College More Affordable
• Global Competitiveness
• Green Jobs
• Improving and Supporting Schools