Education

Nothing reduces the deficit more than investments in education, which is the cornerstone to building America’s future and developing the next work force. I am committed to providing high quality education to all of America’s students from all backgrounds and income levels.

I believe we must make a national commitment to education by strengthening our schools, fully funding special education, and modernizing our classrooms. At the same time, we must work to put in place the means for students to attain higher education and prepare them for a career path.

Congresswoman Pelosi stops by the South of Market Child Care Center in San Francisco to support hard-working child care providers and children who are benefiting from an early education.

Even in this period of shrinking federal, state and local budgets, we must work together to ensure that a strong education is a right afforded to every student. I believe that our values must reflect our investments, which includes expanding Head Start programs, and strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.

In September 2009, the House passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act -- the single largest investment in aid to help students and families pay for college in history -- at no cost to taxpayers. The President signed the bill into law on March 30, 2010. This bill strengthened foundations that will develop our nation’s workforce-- community colleges and student loan interest rates. Among its many provisions, it increased the maximum Pell Grant award from $5,350 in 2009 to the current amount $5,550 in 2010 and $6,900 in 2019, while keeping interest rates low on subsidized federal student loans.

In order to create a nation ready for the challenges of the 21st century, we can look no further than community colleges. As a living and breathing example of equipping students with cutting-edge skills, community colleges are producing the next workforce that will fill emerging industries that keep America number one.

In the 112th Congress, I have supported legislation that has avoided cuts to education, including combating funding reductions to student loan recipients and low-income students. I look forward to continue working President Obama on making sure our educated young people have a better opportunity to be successful, while taking the steps needed to strengthen the economy for the next generation.

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