Education
More on Education
April 13, 2018
In The News
Washington – The U.S. Department of Education has come to the aid of hundreds of Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute students whose education came to an abrupt end last week when the school shut down without warning.
April 13, 2018
Press Release
“The sudden and stunning decision by Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute to close its campuses last week left Connecticut students with nowhere to turn. That is why I called on the Department to act quickly to provide information and resources for students,” said Courtney.
April 5, 2018
Press Release
“The sudden and stunning decision by Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute to cease operations with no notice to students or staff screams out for action by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” said Courtney. “Many of the students used federal student loans and grant programs to pay tuition, and it is imperative that the Dept. of Ed exercises its statutory authority to protect both taxpayers and the students who put their faith in this school’s promise of a certificate that would provide gainful employment."
February 16, 2018
Press Release
“We need to recognize that there is nothing normal about American’s gun violence crisis,” said Courtney. “When it comes to global statistics, no other developed country even comes close to equaling the United States in terms of raw gun deaths and shooting rampages – the U.S. stands alone."
December 15, 2017
Press Release
“If this effort by the House Republican majority is successful, millions of American families across the country who are preparing to send their children off to college will face higher costs and fewer options for federal aid,” said Courtney. “What the PROSPER Act would do is actually close avenues of affordability for millions of Americans and radically change programs that have been a part of the fabric of our society going back to the 1960s. The Republican’s intended to quietly push this bill through a markup this week, but I joined my colleagues on the committee in sounding the alarm and attempting to undo some of the worst aspects of the bill. Unfortunately, even my bipartisan amendment to restore the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which supports firefighters, police officers, teachers, and other public workers, was defeated."
December 13, 2017
Press Release
“This is another hyper-partisan effort led by the Republican majority that will incredibly make college more expensive and close pathways for young Americans to pursue critical careers that will support our economy,” said Courtney. “If this bill were ever signed into law, it would dismantle programs designed to make college more affordable for middle-class families. One prime example of this is a provision in the bill to close-down the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that has supported students entering critical professions since its inception 10 years ago. The program allows public service workers such as teachers, police officers, rural doctors, and others to have their student loan debt forgiven after 10 years of work in their occupation. I offered a bipartisan amendment during the committee proceedings to save the PSLF program and expand it to include farmers and veteran service organizations. That effort was backed by nearly 200 organizations such as the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Young Farmers Collation, and the American Legion. Unfortunately, even with the votes of several Republican members of the committee, the amendment ultimately failed by a vote of 19-20."
December 6, 2017
Press Release
“I am pleased to announce that the winners of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for Connecticut’s Second Congressional District are Gianna Guzzo, Marissa Guzzo, and Alexandra Smith from Suffield,” said Courtney. “We had a number of exceptional submissions to the Second Congressional District App Challenge this year, but our team hailing from Suffield stood out. Our panel of judges from the University of Connecticut were convinced that the winning app showed both an advanced understanding of computer programming and a determination to improve the lives of people suffering with various mental health conditions."
September 28, 2017
Press Release
Schools in East Lyme, Norwich and Montville recognized today by federal Department of Education
June 27, 2017
Press Release
“Connecticut Sea Grant has aided local fishermen, shellfish farmers, and maritime conservation efforts in Long Island sound for fifty years,” said Courtney. “Whether it’s jumpstarting a local fishery or connecting local aquaculture producers to local communities, Sea Grant is a vital part of our region’s maritime economy. I am very glad that we were able to secure this funding to help CTSG’s research and education efforts.”
June 6, 2017
Press Release
“With the cost of a college education and the debt needed to afford it growing every year, Americans are demanding action to lower the crushing cost of higher education. Unfortunately, the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget proposal would make college more expensive,” wrote the members. “As you know, subsidized student loans are utilized by low-income undergraduate students, many of whom would not otherwise be able to attend an institution of higher education. In fact, in the last school year, over six million students borrowed through this program. Subsidized student loans allow a student to earn a degree without needing to burden themselves with the crushing costs of student loan interest rates. We owe it to the next generation of college students to push for student loan policies that will not hold them back."