Education

Education policy remains one of my top priorities as a Member of Congress, as I know through my own personal experience just how important a role a quality education can play in an individual’s life. That is why I am committed to providing the best possible educational environment for students in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois and beyond.  I am working to alter the multi-generational cycles of despair that have affected so many families and communities.  I support robust investment into the public education system, as well as programs and policies that can help close the achievement gap between white students and students of color.

Some of the policies that I strongly support include improved early reading skills and effective reading interventions for low-performing students, after-school and summer programs, rigorous college and career-ready curriculums for all students, and increased parent and community participation, especially in low-income schools.  I continue to advocate for the resources and guidance needed to increase graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, and re-engage students who have already left school.  Our education policy must also include, strong vocational and technical education that will give students employable skills, which will improve their career options and provide economic security.  Additionally, in order to provide well-rounded schools that cater to the interests of all students, it is also imperative that we provide funding for the arts, music, languages, the humanities, and physical education.

As a product of the United States public school system, I understand that it is critical that we provide sufficient resources to these institutions so that every child has access to a high-quality education regardless of their zip code, their native language, or the wealth of their parents.  As elected officials, we have a duty to invest in those students who are most at-risk of being left behind by society.  As such, I remain dedicated to pursuing policies that positively impact low-income students, children of color, students with disabilities, and children who speak English as a Second Language.  Conversely, I will always strongly oppose those policies that do not meet these standards.

Making these investments in our children’s futures now will help us reap the rewards of shaping intelligent and productive members of society later.  Providing safe schools that equip our children with a quality, well-rounded education is, has, and always will be, a top priority for me and I will continue to work to meet that goal.