Education
Education at all levels is of vital importance to our country, and giving our students the tools they need to succeed has long been a mission of mine while serving in Congress. Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District is home to fourteen colleges and universities with more than 71,000 undergraduate students and over 120,000 students enrolled in K-12.
However, student loan debt is a serious problem. College grads in Wisconsin enter the job market with over $28,000 in debt, on average, and student loan debt has surpassed $1 trillion nationally, which is higher than credit card debt and second only to homeowner mortgage debt. That’s why in early 2015 I introduced the College Affordability Action Plan to make sure hard working students and families have access to an affordable education. My strategy to help make college more affordable consists of five key principles:
- Making Sure Government Doesn’t Profit from Student Loans
- Allow Student Loans to Be Refinanced Like Mortgages
- Provide Tax Incentives to Address College Affordability
- Make Loan Payments Match Earnings
- Provide Pell Grants Year-Round
I believe that investing in higher education and helping more students afford college is one of the smartest decisions we can make as a nation. Every dollar we invest today will pay dividends down the road and help ensure that Wisconsin can compete in the global marketplace. For more information on my five principles, click here.
Legislative Successes
- Since kids perform better academically when they are active during the school day, I will continue to advocate for an increased focus on physical education in our schools. For more information on my work to fight childhood obesity and my FIT Kids Act specifically, click here.
- Another bill I was proud to introduce, the Healthy Kids Outdoors Act, provides incentives for states to develop action plans to connect children and families to the great outdoors. The proposal also creates a national strategy to increase outdoor activity and, through coordination with federal and local partners, further identify the health, conservation and other benefits of spending time outdoors.
- In June 2015, introduced a resolution to protect and commemorate the Wisconsin Idea as a fundamental part of the University of Wisconsin system. The Wisconsin Idea has been part of the fabric of our state for over 100 years. Generations of Wisconsinites have been guided by the values of giving back both inside and outside the classroom and fostering our students’ potential. Investing in higher education and helping foster the Wisconsin Idea is one of the smartest decisions we can make. Every dollar we invest today will pay dividends down the road and help ensure that Wisconsin can compete in the global marketplace.
For more information concerning work and views related to Education, please contact our office.
View information on student financial aid.
More on Education
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the CHIPS and Science Act, a powerful bipartisan investment in strengthening our economic and national security, catalyzing semiconductor innovation and manufacturing, creating good-paying American jobs, and lowering costs for families here at home. Previously passed by the Senate, this legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the bipartisan omnibus appropriations package, a legislative measure to fund the federal government for the fiscal year. Additionally, Rep. Kind applauded the inclusion of funding in the package for five Community Projects in Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. These projects will deliver over $11 million in federal funds to Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District.
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the Build Back Better Act. This historic legislation will create millions of good-paying jobs, lower everyday costs for working families, and rebuild the middle-class backbone of our nation – all without adding to our deficit.
Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that over $46 million in American Rescue Plan funding will go to Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District for broadband expansion. These grants, approved through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, will support projects to extend fiber broadband internet to locations that are currently unserved and underserved.
Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that schools and libraries in Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District are so far set to receive over $2.4 million in the latest round of American Rescue Plan funding through the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. This program is helping schools and libraries close the Homework Gap for students who currently lack necessary broadband access or the devices they need to connect to classrooms.
Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that La Crosse County was awarded a Drug-Free Communities Support Program grant of $625,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Drug-Free Communities Support Program is the nation’s leading effort to help communities prevent and reduce youth substance use.
La Crosse, WI – Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that his office is accepting applications from individuals interested in attending one of our nation’s service academies. Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2021.
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program, is now open for enrollment. The temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
La Crosse, WI – Today, Rep. Ron Kind is highlighting key funding priorities for fiscal year 2022. Each year, Congress considers several appropriations measures which provide funding for government operations and other activities. The appropriations cycle starts with the President’s budget proposal, and appropriations measures are typically debated and voted on through the spring and summer.