New Democrat Coalition Releases Higher Education Priorities
Washington, DC – Today, the New Democrat Coalition released Higher Education Priorities detailing how we can ensure Americans have access to one of the most powerful tools for upward mobility. The priorities represent a set of policy ideas that can bring quality education and training programs to more Americans by making higher education more accessible and innovative. New Dems are committed to making higher education more accessible and affordable, fully preparing students for higher education and the workforce, and making higher education more effective, accountable, and inclusive.
“Education beyond high school – whether it is a short term certificate program or a traditional degree program at a two- or four-year college – is key to lifting people into the middle class and must be accessible and affordable to all,” said Congressman Jared Polis (CO-02). “It will take innovative ideas to bring down the cost of college for students and families and prepare a highly-skilled workforce. The Higher Education Priorities are a set of forward thinking policies that will help drive the conversation in the next reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. These policies will bring down cost, support innovation, and put students first.”
“College degrees open a world of opportunity for people in the United States. When students can afford a higher education, they’re able to start chasing their dreams immediately after graduation without the crushing burden of student debt. Expanding access to college will help more Americans find success in life and strengthen our nation’s workforce. New Dems’ higher education priorities reflect our commitment to young people, to America’s economic competitiveness, and to our country’s continued global leadership,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20).
“For many Americans who are struggling to make ends meet, earning a postsecondary certificate or degree is the ticket to the middle class. But too many low-income and working-class folks simply don’t have access to technical certifications or two-year degrees,” Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-05) said. “What’s more, too many innovative Americans face barriers to becoming entrepreneurs and building their own small businesses. I’m proud to stand with other Members on the New Democrat Coalition to fight to open the door for more Americans to have successful, middle-class careers and to ensure that more folks, especially women, minorities, and other underrepresented populations, have the tools they need to grow our economy, build businesses, and create good-paying jobs.”
Today more U.S. jobs require some form of education and training beyond high school than ever before, so in order for the U.S. to maintain its competitive edge internationally and remain the top destination for talent from other countries, we must expand opportunities for all Americans to access the quality education they deserve. Our colleges and universities are the envy of the world, and when we fully commit to building and supporting higher education institutions that work for all Americans, we can ensure they stay that way.