Congressman Lynch believes that education is the foundation of opportunity in the United States. Working families deserve wages and benefits that allow them to support their families, put their kids through college, and enjoy a secure retirement. Students from all backgrounds deserve a first-class affordable education, from early childhood through college. A strong public education system ensures that children from across America will have the knowledge and training they need to succeed in this competitive global economy.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, H.R. 1

As you know, the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or the “stimulus” bill, were to jumpstart our economy by saving and creating jobs, and to transform our economy to ensure long-term growth and stability. Congressman Lynch supported this legislation, which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009 and makes investments to modernize our schools, help states avoid teacher layoffs, and make college more affordable. Specifically, the measure established a $53.6 billion State Fiscal Stabilization fund to help local school districts avoid teacher layoffs and education cuts due to budget shortfalls, provides $13 billion for Title I grants to help disadvantaged kids reach high academic standards, and provides $12.2 billion for IDEA (Special Education) grants to increase the federal share of these costs. H.R. 1 also improved higher education tax credits by creating a new “American Opportunity” tax credit with a maximum of $2,500 rather than the previous maximum of $1,800, thereby making college more affordable for millions of low- and middle-income students. For additional information on the education provisions contained in the stimulus legislation, please refer to the Department of Education website at www.ed.gov/recovery.

Preparing America's Students for Success

Quality early education helps children succeed later in school and has been linked to increased math and language skills and better classroom behavior. On May 2, 2007, Congressman Lynch voted in favor of legislation to reauthorize Head Start, the premiere early education program in the United States for more than 40 years. The measure, which was signed into law in December of 2007, improved program quality and expanded access so that more of our nation's children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed. Specifically, the measure increased teacher qualifications and authorized $450 million in new funding for Fiscal Year 2008, providing up to 10,000 more children and families access to the program.

In addition, Congressman Lynch is committed to ensuring that America’s school facilities are safe and healthy learning environments for children. Recent estimates have shown that America’s schools require additional funding to bring them up to good condition. Accordingly, on May 14, 2009, Congressman Lynch voted in favor of H.R. 2187, the 21st Century High Performing Public School Facilities Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a margin of 275-155. H.R. 2187 seeks to make critical investments to modernize, upgrade and repair school facilities across the country. This legislation also seeks to improve education, create jobs, and encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources in our nation’s schools.

College Affordability

The rising cost of attending U.S. colleges and universities is a growing concern as many students are finding that their dream of attending an institution of higher education is out of financial reach. Congressman Lynch is committed to ensuring that all qualified students are given the opportunity to achieve their dream by making college more affordable and more accessible for America’s hard-working students and families.

To this end, Congressman Lynch supported the College Cost Reduction and Access Act – the largest increase in college aid since the GI Bill in 1944 – boosting college aid by more than $20 billion over the next five years. This landmark legislation, signed into law in September 2007, will cut interest rates in half on subsidized student loans over the next two years, making these loans more affordable for millions of low- and middle-income students. The first interest rate cut, to 6% from 6.8%, took effect on July 1, 2008 and interest rates will ultimately be lowered to 3.4% by July 1, 2011. The measure also increases the maximum Pell Grant scholarship for low-income students to $5,400 over the next two years, and provides up-front tuition assistance to qualified undergraduate students who commit to teaching in public schools in high-poverty communities or high-need subject areas.

Congressman Lynch also supported the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which reformed America's higher education system so that it operates in the best interests of students and families. Signed into law in August 2008, the legislation ensures that states maintain higher education funding and provides incentives, such as additional need-based aid, to encourage colleges to hold down price increases. In addition to streamlining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process and creating a user-friendly website to provide students and families with helpful information about college pricing, the measure makes college more affordable for low-income students by allowing students to receive Pell Grant scholarship aid year round.