I’m fighting for an innovative type of higher education financing that will lead to rewarding careers, all without any cost to taxpayers. The ISA Student Protection Act (S. 2114),which has received support from Republicans and Democrats alike, would help students receive a debt-free education by using income share agreements.
All Hoosiers deserve a fair shot at success. My recently introduced bill takes an important step to simplify the college enrollment process for people with disabilities, which will help more students access higher education and open doors of opportunity. I’m working to get the Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act (S. 1585) over the finish line.
As a co-chair of the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, I supported advancement of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21stCentury Act (H.R. 2353), which became law and included a number of provisions I introduced:
The Educating Tomorrow's Workforce Act - Improves the quality of CTE programs and allows states and local governments to use federal funding to establish CTE-focused academies.
The Perkins Equity and Excellence Act (S. 1004) - Replaces an old grant for a new competitive grant program that aims to integrate CTE curriculum in high schools while promoting dual enrollment, employee partnerships, and work-based learning.
The SHOP CLASS Act (S. 1501) - Prepares teachers to offer expanded training for students across the nation in advanced manufacturing technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, and computerized machine tools.
The SUCCESS Act (S. 3483) – Supports school counselors so that they are better equipped to teach students about various career options.
A strong economy and vibrant workforce require opportunity-driven education. I co-led the Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act of 2019 (S. 118) to encourage broader participation in the successful National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program and provides additional training for innovators to learn how to turn their research into a company.
Higher education institutions that are not preparing graduates for careers should not be rewarded. I’ve fought against skyrocketing student debt by helping introduce the Student Protection and Success Act (S. 1525) to hold colleges and universities accountablefor graduates who are not able to begin repaying student loans.
Currently, higher education is falling short in serving our most vulnerable students. I introduced the Fund for Innovation and Success in Higher Education (FINISH) Act (S. 1059) to support the use of evidence-based innovation grants and the pay for success model to improve student outcomes.
Early college programs help families avoid college debt while preparing students for postsecondary education. I co-led the Fast Track To and Through College Act (S. 2736) to create a grant program aimed at helping more students earn college credits while still in high school.
