Miller Statement on President Obama’s 2014 Education Budget
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), the senior Democrat on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statement today on President Obama’s education budget for Fiscal Year 2014:
“Today, President Obama presented a responsible proposal for education that will continue to rebuild our economy, strengthen the middle class, and make education a top priority,” said Rep. Miller. “While pressing for a balanced approach to deficit reduction, the President continues his funding commitment to early education and our K-12 schools. In particular, I am excited by his proposals to make early childhood education a national priority. Investing in young children’s greater access to high-quality preschool, child care and voluntary home visitation is a proven way to close achievement gaps, strengthen school readiness and prepare the next generation for high-skill jobs. I agree with this focus and look forward to examining these and other key areas of his budget in the coming weeks.”
On Higher Education:
"President Obama’s budget rightfully focuses on making college accessible and affordable for all families regardless of their background. I also thank the president for calling attention to making a permanent fix to student loan interest rates. Congress needs to examine long-term solutions.
“However, given the current economic and political realities, it is critical that Congress prevents interest rates from doubling in the short term on students who need the most help. At a time of historically low interest rates, skyrocketing college costs, and recent graduates facing a tight job market, Congress should not let student loan interest rates double at this time.
“I believe that a long-term solution on student loan rates is best addressed as part of Congress’s efforts to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. Student loan interest rates, college debt and student aid in general raise complex questions that cannot be practically addressed in a few short months. Rather, they require careful consideration and deliberation from experts, colleges, employers and students that the reauthorization process is best equipped to examine.
“We must give everyone a fair shot at a good education and a good job by making a college education more affordable. It’s the right thing to do for our nation’s prosperity. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues to avoid this interest rate hike in a way that is responsible to both students and taxpayers.”
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