Education
Long before I was a businessman or a physicist, I was a curious kid. I was always taking things apart to see how they worked, or trying to make something new. It was this curiosity combined with the excellent education I received from public schools and universities that led me to start a business with my brother and to later pursue a career as a physicist. As our economy becomes increasingly STEM-based, it has never been more important to ensure our students are getting the education and training they will need to thrive. I support the right of every young person to have access to a high quality, affordable education that does not leave students with crippling debt. A good education is the key to future economic success. That’s why I support the use of public funds for public education. Every student in this country should have the resources they need to succeed regardless of their zip code.
My Work on Education
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement after President Biden announced his plan to cancel $10,000 of student loan debt for borrowers making less than $125,000, and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients:
“I applaud President Biden’s action to provide much-needed breathing room for countless student loan borrowers. Student debt is a serious economic burden for far too many Americans, and we must do all we can to support them as our nation recovers from the economic repercussions of the pandemic.
Washington, DC - Last week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the No Cost Educational Resources Act, legislation to ease the financial burden on our nation’s students. By allowing existing grants to go towards free, online educational resources, this bill would expand access to the academic materials that are critical for a successful education in college and beyond. This is especially helpful for students pursuing a STEM education, who tend to face steep cost barriers for up-to-date materials.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced the introduction of the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act to expand broadband access for low-income families in HUD-assisted housing. This bill would allow families living in HUD-assisted housing, whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch, to use federal assistance on broadband internet access.
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Parents PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act. This legislation would allow students to take over the student debt that was incurred on their behalf, providing a sensible solution for parents facing multiple financial burdens.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Biden’s Build Back Better economic package:
“I’m proud to have voted for the President’s Build Back Better legislation, a once-in-a-generation investment in American families that is fully paid for by making sure the richest Americans and corporations are paying their fair share in taxes.
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) and Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced the Keep STEM Talent Act to make certain advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree holders eligible for permanent resident status. The bill would allow certain graduates with advanced STEM degrees to remain in the United States following their graduation and would remove barriers for STEM-educated international graduates who want to work in the United States.
Aurora, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that Two Rivers Head Start Agency in Aurora has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $3,203,837. Two Rivers provides educational and community services for Kane and DeKalb Counties. The grant is to support their Head Start programming, which promotes kindergarten readiness for young children aged 3-5 years from income-eligible families.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement in support of the FY2022 Budget Resolution:
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) announced that the House Appropriations Subcommittees have advanced all 10 funding requests Congressman Foster submitted as part of the Member-designated Community Project Funding Program.
Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which would establish June 19 (Juneteenth) as a federal holiday:
“I can’t think of a more important moment in American history to celebrate than the end of slavery. Illinois has led the way by making Juneteenth an official state holiday. Tonight, I was proud to vote to make Juneteenth a federal holiday as well.