Education
- 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.
More on Education
As many high-school and college students across the state head back to class this week, the Maryland Congressional delegation is working hard to ensure their education comes without crushing debt.
The cost of college has soared more than 300% in the last 30 years and student loan debt in the United States now exceeds $1.2 trillion – even more than credit card debt. Because that debt keeps young people from buying a home, saving for retirement, or even starting a family, it hurts our entire economy.
(Timonium, MD) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today presented awards to the winners of his first-ever annual high school “App Challenge,” three students from Chesapeake High School in Essex. The academic competition, which was open to all high school students who reside in Maryland’s Second Congressional District, required students to create an original software application for mobile, tablet or other computer device on a platform of their choice.
Ruppersberger Launches “Faces of the Unemployed” Project, Urges Vote to Extend Unemployment Benefits
(Hanover, MD) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) on Monday was joined by jobless Marylanders in urging House leaders to allow a vote to restore unemployment insurance to nearly 33,900 Marylanders who have lost their benefits since the program’s expiration on December 28. A 5-month extension passed the U.S. Senate in April but, to date, House Republicans have blocked consideration of 11 bills to restore this vital safety net.
(Timonium, MD) – Are you a tech-savvy high school student who dreams of being the next Mark Zuckerberg? Have an idea for the next Candy Crush or Instagram? Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger is inviting you to compete in his first-ever annual “App” Challenge!
I am proud to announce an important step forward for my bill H.R. 3101, the Right Start Child Care and Education Act of 2013 (RSCCEA).
Recently, major provisions of my legislation were included in a bill which cleared the Senate, S. 1086, sponsored by Senator Mikulski, by a vote of 96 - 2. The language was included by Senator Boxer who introduced H.R. 3101’s Senate companion, S. 56. I am glad to see that several provisions from my Right Start tax credit legislation are moving forward. These tax credits will help many families around the country.
(Timonium, MD) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger on Wednesday will host a workshop for constituents who need assistance securing financial aid for college. “College is Possible: Tips on How to Get in and How to Pay for It,” will be held in Edgewood and feature financial aid experts to help students and parents learn about ways to make the dream of going to college a reality. The event is open to all Second District residents.
(Timonium, MD) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger on Monday will host a workshop for constituents who need assistance securing financial aid for college. “College is Possible: Tips on How to Get in and How to Pay for It,” will be held in Dundalk and feature financial aid experts to help students and parents learn about ways to make the dream of going to college a reality. The event is open to all Second District residents.
I never had my favorite teacher in the classroom. Mr. Verlangas was the moderator of the safety patrol at Leith Walk Elementary School, of which I was the proud captain. At that time, my father suffered a major heart attack. He was in the hospital, and we didn't know if he was going to make it. At a time in my life when I needed a male role model most, Mr. Verlangas was there to help me navigate the tough days. I wanted desperately to be in his classroom, but it never came to be.