It is alarming that for decades now, postsecondary tuition and fees have risen higher than the cost of inflation. Tuesday, the Committee on Education and Labor convened a bipartisan hearing to examine the high cost of college and ways to enact student-centered reforms. During the hearing, witness testimony made it clear that the high cost of college is interconnected with other issues in postsecondary education. I have long believed that any discussion of college affordability must involve serious questions about institutional accountability. As a former college administrator, I know there are ways to protect students from absorbing the costs of institution-level budget decisions.
That’s why I was proud to have Dr. Morrison-Shetlar, Interim Chancellor of Western Carolina University, testify to how the state-level program, NC Promise, is insisting on accountability to keep costs reasonable for postsecondary students. “NC Promise is unique compared to most of the ‘free college’ programs in that it is a first-dollar scholarship; that means the tuition price comes down before any other financial aid is awarded. Pell Grants, state scholarships and institutional aid go a lot further than they used to under NC Promise,” Dr. Morrison-Sheltar told the committee. She went on to explain that at Western Carolina University, the program allows an in-state student who finishes their degree in four years to save approximately $12,000.
Future conversations about college affordability must continue emphasis on holding institutions accountable for students’ success and focus on strengthening innovation and completion, modernizing federal student aid and promoting student opportunities. I intend to continue this conversation and support reforms based on best practices from people, like Dr. Morrison-Shetlar, who are directly engaged in postsecondary education. For a full hearing recap, please read more here.
| Defending U.S. Agricultural Trade |
American farmers have played and always will play an integral role in our economy. Access to foreign markets is essential to sustaining our nation’s farms at home and meeting increasing demands for food, feed, fiber and fuel abroad. Trade agreements should help our farmers compete on a global scale and provide a level playing field with our trade partners. The upcoming negotiations on a trade agreement with the European Union (EU) are a perfect opportunity to address the trade barriers our farmers face in the EU’s market and secure fair treatment of American agriculture. Up until now, the European Commission has specifically excluded agricultural products in draft negotiations and Commission officials continually have stated their unwillingness to include agriculture in the negotiation process. On Thursday, I helped lead 114 House members in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to maintain agricultural products as a key negotiating objective in any proposed trade agreement with the EU.
| Congressional Art Competition |
It’s time again for high school artists to enter their work into the Congressional Art Competition! Every year, our country’s top young artists have the chance to display their work in the United States Capitol where it will be seen by visitors from around the world. North Carolina’s artists are among the best in the nation, and I always look forward to seeing the strong talent of our local young people. Please encourage participation in the Fifth District and check out the competition rules and guidelines at the links below. If you have any questions, please contact my office directly at (202) 225-2071.
Congressional Art Competition Rules and Regulations
Congressional Art Competition Submission Checklist
Congressional Art Competition Student Release Form
| North Carolinians in the Capitol |
Pastor Ryan Hodges from Rocky Face Baptist Church representing Capitol Connection came by to read a spiritual book and to pray with me. |
Amanda Price from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association |
Max Hagaman of Watauga County who represents NC FFA was able to join me for a hearing in the Oversight and Reform Committee and witness votes from the House gallery. |
Next week, the House will hold a District Work Period. I look forward to traveling around North Carolina’s Fifth District and hearing from you! Have a blessed weekend and a happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Sincerely,
