If We Want A Stronger Economy, We Must Invest In Our Schools

As North Carolinians, we believe in education.  In fact, we believe in it so much that we include the right to an education for each and every North Carolinian within our Constitution.

I believe in the power of public education to transform and strengthen our State, and I believe it is essential to the long-term success of our economy.  If we want a stronger economy, we must invest in our schools.  

That's why I've pushed legislation to improve funding for Wake County's Public Schools, our community college and our state university system. These institutions train our future workers, mechanics, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and leaders.  They provide pathways out of poverty and lifelong learning for a competitive workforce.  They enable workers to become managers and entrepreneurs.

We must make key investments so the next generation will have the skills they need to compete in this global economy. We must make sure our children get the education and training they need. That will help us build a stronger economy for the future.

I am focused on helping build stronger schools and a stronger economy right here at home.

Key Committees

• Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
• Senate Select Committee on Economic Recovery

Key Activities

• Supported our teachers and students by protecting K-12 classroom teacher jobs and pay
• Protected dropout prevention grants
• Introduced new tools to reform the state's lowest-performing schools
• Cut administrative overhead to protect teaching jobs
• Funded enrollment growth at community colleges and universities
• Funded vocational and technical education at community colleges to boost job training programs in transportation, engineering, industrial, military, construction and green technology
• Increased need-based financial aid for university students while eliminating in-state tuition for out-of-state athletes
• Supported additional funding to recruit and retain top faculty