Education

Investing in the future of our young people, particularly in these stressful economic times, is the key to sustaining and creating jobs.”
                     - Congressman C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger

Congressman Ruppersberger helped pass in the House the “Student Aid & Fiscal Responsibility Act,” which makes the largest investment in college aid in history. The bill:

  • Increases Pell Grants and funding for programs the help students get in to college and stay until graduation.
  • Reforms the federal student loan system to save taxpayers $87 billion, completely funding the legislation and helping reduce the federal deficit.
  • Keeps interest rates low on subsidized federal student loans and lowers monthly payments; also makes it easier for families applying for financial aid by simplifying the FAFSA form and allowing students and families to apply for aid using the information on their tax returns.
  • Invests $480 million in Maryland education over the next decade.

Congressman Ruppersberger comes from a family of educators and understands the importance of providing a well-rounded education to all children in quality schools. He:

  • Supported legislation that provided $975 billion for education programs, school repairs and school modernization.
  • Advocates for access to preschool for all children and supports legislation to provide grants that will enable schools to provide or improve preschool programs.
  • Supports the “No Child Left Inside Act” to require states to develop environmental literacy programs and teacher training.
  • Helped pass the “Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,” tripling volunteerism opportunities for students and increasing college financial awards.

Congressman Ruppersberger believes we must prioritize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to prepare a workforce for the 21st century. He:

  • Supported the “Space to Schools Act” to encourage former aerospace employees to pursue careers as teachers.
  • Secured funding for many Maryland STEM initiatives such as teacher training, a program to recruit more minority students to pursue degrees in STEM fields and a STEM workforce training program at Anne Arundel Community College.
  • Helped lay the groundwork for preparing students from Harford County by establishing the Aberdeen Math & Science Academy and the Joppatowne Homeland Security program.