Education

A well-educated population is the key to having the most talented nation on earth.  Today, the U.S. has slipped to 16^th in the world in the percentage of 25-34 year olds achieving postsecondary degrees.  If we are to win the race for talent, we need a long-term plan that develops the best workforce in the world.

Virginia’s innovative investments in education – from pre-kindergarten to post-graduate and workforce training – have turned our state into a magnet for talent.  Talented people generate creative ideas for companies and jobs, and great businesses locate in places where they know they can hire capable workers. In order to return America to the top in the world in educating our population, we have to look at reforms like broadening our early childhood education system, creating more rigorous K-12 curriculums, renewing our focus on career and technical education and dramatically reducing the cost of college.

As Governor, I invested in every aspect of Virginia’s education system. I worked with the legislature to expand the number of children enrolled in Pre-K by nearly 40 percent. I also championed a successful $2 billion higher-education construction bond package that built facilities colleges and universities across Virginia need to attract the best students and faculty. This ongoing commitment to expanding and improving education opportunities paid off:  In 2007 Education Week ranked Virginia the state where a child was most likely to have a successful life.

As Senator, I introduced the Strong Start for America’s Children Act, legislation to expand access to high-quality early learning programs for children from birth to age five.  Additionally, I joined a bipartisan group of senators to co-chair the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus and expand access to CTE programs throughout the nation.

In July 2014, I introduced the Educating Tomorrow's Workforce Act, legislation to raise the quality of career and technical education (CTE) programs at schools in Virginia and across the country. This bill improves Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to better meet the needs of a 21^st century workforce and ensure students have access to the highest-quality CTE programs.

I understand the importance of a quality higher education at an affordable cost. That’s why I co-sponsored the Supporting College Access and Success Through Dual Enrollment Act, legislation to help students earn college credits in high school in order to cut the cost of earning a college diploma. I also co-sponsored The Net Price Calculator Improvement Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to give students and families a better estimate of college costs before they apply to schools. We must address access to quality, affordable education if we want to remain the most competitive workforce in the world.