Build back better

Recently, I had the honor of hosting Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in Northwest Oregon to discuss how investments in education – particularly community colleges – have opened doors for our students.

As one of the few Members of Congress who attended community college, I know that the opportunities it created changed the course of my life. For today's students, graduating from community college can increase students' earning potential by 21 percent.

But a community college education can only provide that potential for a better future if everyone has access. As several of the students told Secretary Cardona and me, it's not indifference to education that has been their barrier; it's the high cost.

The American Families Plan will provide access to free community college for millions of students. That is a very good investment in our students — and ultimately, our economy.

In addition, I helped secure robust public school funding through the American Rescue Plan. Those funds are supporting students as schools address unfinished and interrupted learning caused by the pandemic, close the digital literacy gap, provide much-needed safety upgrades, and more.

I will continue to lead the fight to give all of our students access to a world-class public education and to make higher education affordable for everyone.

It's how we can, and will, build back better.

Thank you for standing with me – and with Oregon students.