Education is the key to future success and a strong economy. We must work to expand educational opportunities for all students in Illinois and throughout the nation. The future of our country depends on the education we provide to our children today, and we must invest in them.

Pressed for the initial authorization of a new program to promote math and science education in elementary and high schools and successfully increased funding for the new program over several years to a level of $182 million in 2006. The program funds grants through the Department of Education to create math and science partnerships to help train teachers in the most effective ways to foster the math and science competency of our nation's children.

 

Worked for tax deductions for the costs of college education and introduced legislation that became a centerpiece of the 2007 Democratic Congressional agenda to reduce college student loan interest rates.

• College Affordability
• No Child Left Behind
• Early Education and Child Care
• Education Workforce
• Special Education