Washington, D.C. — In response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address tonight, CAP’s Executive Vice President for Policy Carmel Martin issued the following statement:
Tonight, President Obama reinforced the importance of providing a world-class education to all Americans. Improving access to high-quality early learning is one of the smartest investments we can make as a country, and it is key to ensuring that children start life on an equal playing field. It is imperative that Congress pass legislation that will help more children gain access to high-quality preschool and other early childhood programs.
But that’s just the beginning. Our students deserve access to 21st-century technology to enhance their learning—which the president rightly points out requires access to high-speed broadband. We also applaud the president’s efforts to ensure students have access to schools that make sure they are both college and career ready through high academic standards; effective, supported teachers; and high school programs that include real-world and hands-on training that will prepare them for the world of work. He also calls for greatly expanded access to apprenticeship programs and streamlined job-training options.
President Obama should also be commended for his efforts to address the soaring costs of higher education that challenge the ability of families—even with help from the federal government—to meet college expenses. The president also recognized that we need to do more to help graduates with their student loan repayments. All students deserve the opportunity to succeed, which includes the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education and the opportunity to not be crippled by student-loan debt.
Better educated students and better trained workers will help us grow the economy and help make the economy work for everyone.
To speak with a CAP education expert, contact Katie Peters at [email protected].
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