Issue Position: Affordable and Accessible Education
Issue Position
"We succeed as a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Well-educated citizens and well-trained workers make for a strong democracy and economy." -- Lisa Blunt Rochester
I have always emphasized the importance of a good education to my children. And, like so many parents who also place a premium on education, I now find myself helping my kids pay off the loans we took out so that they could go to college.
Delaware students who graduated in 2014 had an average student loan debt of $33,808 - the highest in the country. This is unacceptable. Education is the silver bullet to raise people up out of poverty, grow the economy, and create a healthier and stronger future for all of us.
I support President Obama's efforts to make higher education more affordable and that's why I am calling for a national goal of debt-free college.
We can grow the economy by concentrating on a comprehensive education plan that improves k-12 education, ensures college is affordable, and helps those who do not go to college connect with workforce training and education that does not leave them behind.
And we can't just look at four-year colleges as the only avenue to keep Delaware growing. Not all students go to college after high school, yet high school alone does not give them the skills to support themselves and a family. I believe that we need to increase vocational training options. Programs that are closely tied with local employers so that participating students have a clear path to gainful employment should be expanded in Delaware's secondary schools, technical colleges, and community colleges.
We must do everything we can to empower our next generation of leaders today.
In Congress, Lisa will be a champion for improving access to affordable education by:
Helping families with current student debt to refinance their loans at current rates and providing debt relief to thousands of graduates.
Fighting for the New College Compact that would allow students to attend public colleges tuition free in return for 10 hours a week of work.
Protecting the President's efforts to make community colleges free to all residents Working to increase vocational training options.
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