Education

Education is the foundation for success in our democracy. I strongly believe all students should have access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code.

During my first term in Congress, I have continued to fight for Coastal Virginians. Our close connection with the military makes education funding a challenge. That is why I supported increased funding for Impact Aid to support schools with a high population of military children. Knowing firsthand that military children come with their own set of unique challenges, I called on Governor Northam to allow a military spouse on the Military Compact Commission to facilitate communication between military families and their new school setting.

I've also worked to expand access to broadband internet. Now more than ever it is important that all children, especially the ones most in need to have access to the internet and receive a quality education even in the midst of a pandemic.

The increasing costs of student loans have been a major concern of mine, as student debt has reached over $1.5 trillion, second only to mortgages in the consumer debt category. I have spoken with teacher unions in my district and they expressed concern over the high costs to pay for school and how that impacts their retention rates. That is why I introduced the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Improvement Act. My legislation would increase the outdated forgiveness rates from $17,500 for special education and STEM educators to $30,000. Non-science-based teachers would receive an increase as well of $15,000 from $5,000. In addition to my legislation, I supported the College Affordability Act. This legislation would reauthorize the Higher Education Act, which hasn't been done since 2008.

I strongly believe that we need to do more for students by providing them with the resources they need to succeed, whether that's preparing them for college or the workforce.