Our children are tomorrow's teachers, doctors, scientists, parents and even Presidents. Ensuring children receive the help they need to succeed has long been among my top priorities. I have worked to pass legislation that ensures schools receive sufficient federal resources to make much-needed improvements and help students make measurable academic progress. Along with a focus on strengthening elementary and secondary education, I have also been a strong supporter of providing our children with quality child care, the opportunity to participate in afterschool programs, and the nourishment they need in school breakfast programs.

It has also been my goal to bring college within reach for more young people. To accomplish this, I voted to enact The College Cost Reduction Act, legislation that was signed into law, to make higher education accessible to all Americans by providing $20 billion in new student aid and cutting interest rates in half on subsidized student loans. The law saves the average student $4,400 over the life of her college loan.

In addition, I have:

• Directed millions in federal resources to strengthen key afterschool programs, such as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which has facilities throughout Wisconsin serving tens of thousands of elementary, middle and secondary school kids;
• Secured funds for cost-saving initiatives that help families find affordable, quality child care provided by licensed providers;
• Enacted legislation to encourage businesses and employers to provide child care options for their employees through common-sense tax credits;
• Advocated strongly to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and ensure special needs and disabled children have access to the same quality education provided to all students at our schools;