Prior to being elected to Congress, I had the honor of serving on the Miami-Dade County School Board. This experience of addressing the needs of the fourth largest public school system in the country has provided me unique insights into the challenges faced by schools at the K-12 level, including those of English learners. As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I have the opportunity to work daily on the vital education and labor programs that benefit both our students and workforce.

The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is long overdue, and our nation’s students deserve a strong education system that will prepare them for the future. I was very proud that the House has advanced language I’ve written to give English language learners additional time to learn the English language without being punished unfairly. This is important for accountability purposes, as students need time to learn before their scores are counted for proficiency calculations. I am also working closely on much needed reforms to our country’s higher education system. I feel it is imperative that opportunities such as flexible Pell Grants are offered to students to draw funds at a faster pace, expediting their education and thus lowering their loan burdens upon graduation.

In order for the United States to remain competitive, we must ensure we have a well-educated population that is not crippled by debt when they enter the workforce. By ensuring every child has access to a positive education, we will provide them with the tools necessary to pursue a vocational or college degree suitable for them to find success in life. For me, education is a local issue and national priority.

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