Education
Head Start Programs
Continue funding “The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007” to ensure that all low-income children and families can stay ahead of the learning curve, affording them the same opportunities as their more fortunate counterparts.
K-12 Education
As a child I grew up in a single parent household, I did not know what an application was at the time, however I recall my mom having to apply for assistance for free or reduced costs for lunches and even book rental fees because we were a poor family, finically speaking. I can remember being embarrassed because I had to carry around a paper card that would be hole-punched by a kind lunch lady at Stoney Creek Elementary and throughout my entire time going through the Noblesville Public School system. As I contemplate what is the best way to remove the stigma around Free or Reduced lunch programs for kids, food for thought, the answer is clear pass federal legislation that ensures that all kids, in all zip codes, in every state across America, regardless of income receives a well-balanced free lunch.
Proposal:
Work together, in bipartisan fashion, to revamp the “Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023” that was introduced that ensures all children across America, regardless of income, regardless of state or zip code, are afforded a free balanced lunch. In addition we should continue to fund, enforce and protect the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Higher Education
The young people of today are the future of tomorrow and it’s time we started investing in them and our future workforce. No one should be going broke or taking on absurd amounts of debt just to earn a degree that will open doors to more opportunities in the workplace with higher paying wages and jobs. College may not be for everyone, thankfully we have trade schools, technical schools and vocational schools
Proposal:
Any person that has obtained a traditional high school diploma or High School Equivalency diploma (HSE) will have the choice to attend trade, technical, vocational or up to one year of community college with all tuition covered by a purposed expanded Federal Pell Grant regardless of parent’s income, note this does not include room and board nor does it cover costs of books.
The Time To Do Something is Now
Student Loan Debt
The average Hoosier has a bit over 28 thousand dollars in student loan debt, with the average monthly payment clocking 176 dollars per month. Additionally, almost 25 percent of Hoosiers owe less than 5 thousand in debt. The old saying “a little goes a long way,” comes to mind, while the monthly payment does not appear to be a lot however once you couple that in with the soaring costs of just about everything isn’t it time, we give Hoosiers some breathing room? Yes, I believe so.
Proposal:
Craft legislation in bipartisanship to eliminate 5 thousand dollars’ worth of student loan debt to anyone living at or below the poverty line, either state or federal level whichever is higher, to all people who currently hold federal student loan debt.
Additionally, pass legislation to cap all current and future federal student loans interest rates at 1 percent, eliminate all interest rate capitations when a loan is in deferment or forbearance status, lastly cut all loan disbursement fees from student loans.
Elementary and Secondary School Teachers Deserve a Raise!
School teachers have become invaluable to students as they grow up. Teachers do more than “teach.” They have become someone who listens, someone who cares, and someone who sets a foundational example for values, fairness and so much more. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives should work closely together, in a bipartisan way, to continue the work on “American Teacher Act,” to help it across the finish line and get it passed.