Education
Ensuring a World-Class Education for All Children
As the proud mother of three sons who were educated by our public schools, I know firsthand the importance of a high-quality education. I will work to make sure our schools are well-equipped, our students are well-prepared, and our teachers have the resources they need to educate all our children for the good-paying jobs of the 21st Century.
I will also work to cut down on the outrageous student loan debt that is being racked up by hardworking families across our region. If education is truly one of our national priorities, then we need to work together to protect student tuition grant programs and reduce student loan costs.
We can start by:
- Reforming No Child Left Behind to give more support to teachers and make sure accountability doesn’t simply lead to just teaching to the test.
- Expanding Head Start and other early learning programs.
- Reforming student loans to reduce the burden of attending college.
- Protecting and expanding the Pell Grant program.
- Improving vocational and job training opportunities for those who decide not to attend college.
More on Education
May 9, 2013
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) introduced new legislation to give more flexibility to students receiving Pell grants. The Access to Education and Training Act would allow students who receive Pell grants to take advantage of the Pell grants year-round, including during the summer months, even if the student went to school full-time during the fall and spring semesters. Many of those who would benefit most are non-traditional students who want to complete their courses faster so they can get back into the workforce.
May 2, 2013
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced the 17th Congressional District winner and runners-up for the annual Congressional Art Competition, “An Artistic Discovery.”
Apr 9, 2013
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined with other members of the House of Representatives in introducing the Student Loan Affordability Act, which would prevent student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st. The bill would extend the current low interest rate for Stafford student loans at 3.4% for two additional years. Unless Congress takes action, the student loan interest rate will double to 6.8% on July 1st.
Apr 3, 2013
Sauk Valley Community College is working hard to attract local students who otherwise would go away to college and not return to the area, officials told U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, who toured the college Monday morning.
Jan 28, 2013
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) stopped by Mercer County High School in Aledo to congratulate the Golden Eagles on winning the 2A Illinois state football championship this past November.
Jan 28, 2013
In her first trip to Galesburg after being sworn in to her freshman term in Congress, Rep. Cheri Bustos tested her blue collar skills at Carl Sandburg College’s welding simulator. While the work might not be for her, the in-demand trade and others like it could be what aids local employment numbers, Bustos said.