Education
As a former teacher, I understand the importance of ensuring that every child receives a free and excellent education. Good public schools are the foundation of a strong democracy, and we must ensure every student graduates ready for a career or college. Our higher education system must also be accessible and affordable for all students who choose to further their studies.
We must give our teachers and schools the support they need to provide a world-class education for every child in Minnesota and across the United States. This includes robust federal funding to support equal educational opportunities in high-poverty schools and for students with disabilities. We must address the crisis of high college costs by reducing tuition for working families, protecting a strong Pell Grant program, and enforcing protections for student loan borrowers.
More on Education
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the partisan House Republican plan to destroy and dismantle the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Simply, this bill, H.R. 5, abandons our national commitment to equity in education for all K-12 students.
For Immediate Release: July 18, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
For Immediate Release: July 11, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Republican Lawmakers Trumpet Certainty for Agribusiness and Vote to Inflict Certain Hunger on Low-Income Americans
Mr. Speaker, I remain in strong opposition to the House Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 1947) otherwise known as the ‘Farm Bill’. On June 20, 2013, I along with the majority of my colleagues voted against the House Republican’s extreme bill. Now farmers in Minnesota and across this country are depending on Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement that will continue to grow our agricultural economy and enable us to best meet our future agriculture needs.
Washington D.C. — On Wednesday, June 19th, Congresswoman McCollum submitted to the Congressional Record a statement honoring the 40th Anniversary of Special Olympics Minnesota. Special Olympics Minnesota, founded in 1973, is dedicated towards providing essential life skills development through sports to all persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. This year, Special Olympics Minnesota will be holding a 40th anniversary commemorative ceremony in Stillwater, MN on June 21st.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to a bad bill that increases the cost of financing a higher education and adds to the burden of debt for students and their parents. Without quick Congressional action, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans will climb from 3.4% to 6.8% in July for all new loans. Students and families struggling to afford increasing college costs are relying on us to stop this dramatic increase now, and to work in a bipartisan way to find a long-term solution that will make financing a college education more affordable.
For Immediate Release: May 23, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington D.C-- Yesterday’s devastating tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma is a national tragedy. The significant loss of life, young and old, is heartbreaking and we mourn with all of those who have lost loved ones. For the injured and the many families who have lost their homes, my prayers are with you.
Friday, May 18, 2013
Remarks, as prepared:
Dr. Levine, Dr. Bell, Regent Devine, President Bruininks, University faculty members, distinguished guests, parents, family members, and friends – I am thrilled to be here honoring the CFANS graduating class of 2013.
Graduates – congratulations! You have done it!
Remarks, as prepared:
Dr. (Allen) Levine, Dr. (Jay) Bell, Regent (Thomas) Devine, President Bruininks, University faculty members, distinguished guests, parents, family members, and friends – I am thrilled to be here honoring the CFANS graduating class of 2013.
Graduates – congratulations! You have done it!
Tonight is a time for celebration, you’ve all earned it. Graduating from college is a milestone you will always remember. Your parents will always remember this moment as well, likely with a great sense of relief.