As a former member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I understand the importance of ensuring that our youngest citizens receive a quality education. I have long been committed to the improvement of the education system in our nation and believes that an educated workforce is a strong workforce, leading to a stronger and more stable economy. Moreover, a proper education is a necessary facet for success in today’s world. One of my greatest pleasures as Representative is hearing from and speaking to Michigan students, which is why I am proud to visit at least one school a week.
Supporting Math and Science Education
Today in the United States , we are witnessing a disturbing trend in K-12 education, as students from other countries are outperforming our own in math and science education. At the same time, we are also facing a critical shortage of qualified teachers in the natural sciences. To address this national deficiency, I have cosponsored legislation that will incentivize future college graduates to pursue a career as an educator of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), as well as retain teachers once they are in the field. The National STEM Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act (H.R. 705) would provide eligible teachers with a tax credit equal to 10 percent of qualified undergraduate tuition (up to $1,000 per year) for up to ten years, as well as an extra $2,500 incentive for teachers in high-need districts.
Head Start
Since first being elected to Congress, I have been an outspoken champion of the Head Start program. In my numerous visits to Head Start centers throughout southwest Michigan, I have been constantly impressed with the teachers, parents, and especially the children themselves. I have stood by Head Start centers for more funding to ensure that our most disadvantaged children have the resources available for a first-rate education. For my past efforts in this area, I have been recognized by the National School Board Association and is the recipient of their “Special Recognition Award.”
Supporting Higher Education
With the rising costs of post-secondary education, today’s working families face a tremendous financial burden when it comes time for their son or daughter to head off to college. To keep higher education affordable for all Americans, I have been a major supporter of federal, need-based financial aid programs. I have supported increasing the maximum award available for recipients of the Pell Grant, which provides aid to students from low-income families, as well as the increasing the total amount of funding available for the subsidized Perkins Loan program.
