Congress and the President worked together to the enact legislation that reformed the student lending process, increased student aid and saved taxpayers money.

The reform ended billions in Federal subsidies from going to banks that administered some student loans.  Now, these resources will go directly to students.

Our bill increased Pell Grants for students and their families who depend on them to afford college.  Pell Grants will now increase with inflation.  It also increased investment in our community colleges, helping nearly 6 million students nationwide.

And for the two out of every three students who graduate with loans averaging $23,000, our bill caps the annual loan repayment at 10%  of low-income graduates’ income.  This reform takes steps towards the President’s goal of having the most college graduates in the world.  But we need to do more.

To that end, I support expanding Upward Bound and TRIO, proven and successful programs that offer support services to students while they are still in school.  This helps many returning students, students with children and first generation college students succeed.

I have also been working with my colleagues to see that our nation’s education policy works for every child.  I have recently met with Education Secretary Arne Duncan to express concerns that we ensure fair and equal opportunity.

Also, as a member of the House Budget Committee, I questioned Secretary Duncan about education funding for some of our poorest schools.  The current budget proposal freezes funding for these schools.  I remain concerned that this would hurt these schools and impact our kids who need help to succeed.

I am also working with my colleagues to help prevent 300,000 teachers from losing their jobs -- including 700 in Milwaukee -- so that our children don’t face even larger class sizes and get less opportunity.

If we are to meet President Obama’s goal of having the most college graduates in the world, we have to start at the beginning and expand opportunities for every child.