Education

There is no substitute for a robust and high-quality education system for children and adults on the path to economic security and advancement here in New Jersey. As a former transportation supervisor and proud father of triplets educated in New Jersey Public Schools, I know the sacrifices families and students throughout Hudson, Essex, and Union counties make every day. y I believe that we must make every effort to strengthen our education system. Investment in education must begin in the earliest years from Head Start and Early Head Start, K-12, higher education, and beyond.

Early Childhood Education

Over 15,000 families in New Jersey are enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. With centers throughout Hudson, Essex, and Union counties, nearly all families are eligible to participate. All children must be given the opportunity and tools to participate in early education programs such as Head Start to ensure that every child has a well-rounded education. I am proud to support Head Start and ensure that funding remains robust so our children will have a well-rounded education and the tools they need to succeed academically.

In addition to helping children with school readiness and individualized support, Head Start and Early Head Start can alleviate some stress of finding adequate childcare services. When children are enrolled in these programs, parents can continue to work and fuel our economy. These programs will always have my unwavering support because they enable families to meet personal and financial goals while supporting children and families.

A Strong Workforce Means Better Student Outcomes

Teachers should be compensated fairly with the resources they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom. Well-prepared teachers improve graduation rates, close racial achievement disparities, and prepare students for post-secondary success in college and the labor market.

Students should also have the resources they need to be proactive and successful in and out of the classroom. Teachers and students should have modern facilities and technology to compete globally. Furthermore, I strongly support reforms to the No Child Left Behind Act and am committed to ensuring our schools and teachers are rewarded based on their successes rather than punished for their inadequacies, often caused by insufficient resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I ensured that Federal funding for all levels of education was supported through the public health emergency. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA), and American Rescue Plan Act, my colleagues and I have delivered millions of dollars to support our local education agencies and school districts in Essex, Union, and Hudson counties.

Higher Education

Moreover, higher education is a pathway to success and essential to growing our economy. Since 1980, the total cost of four-year public and private colleges has nearly tripled. Federal support has not kept up: Pell Grants once covered almost 80 percent of the cost of a four-year public college degree for students but now only 30 percent. Members of Congress must explore ways to reduce the soaring costs of higher education. I support two years of free tuition for students at community colleges, reducing student loan interest and increasing the Pell Grant. No one should be denied the opportunity to obtain a college degree simply because they cannot afford it. The Biden-Harris Administration is working daily to make college more affordable and accessible. I fully support the U.S. Department of Education providing up to $20,000 in debt cancellation to Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation to non-Pell Grant recipients.

As a Member of Congress, I will continue exploring ways to improve education quality affordability. I am a strong supporter of the College Affordability Act to fully reauthorize the Higher Education Act while increasing student aid, including Pell Grants, simplifying loan repayment plans, expanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, and allowing Pell Grants to be used for quality, short-term programs workforce development training programs. This legislation will create new and sustainable pipelines from secondary education into higher education at institutions including Bloomfield College, Essex County College, Hudson County Community College, Kean University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, St. Peter's University, and Union County College, and many others.