For the record: Higher education is the best economic investment we can make. In Congress I will keep our colleges strong and affordable and protect students against unreasonable student loans.

The second congressional district is home to one of the world’s great universities – the University of Colorado at Boulder. We need to do more to support it and the students and faculty who make it great. They are a key to success in retaining an advanced workforce for increased economic development.

Throughout my career, I have worked to protect our institutions of higher education. We know that access to a quality education is the key to success later in life. We also know that higher education is a good investment. For example, every dollar we put into CU-Boulder returns $17 back to us. We must do a better job of supporting our colleges and universities by making sure our scientists have proper federal funding for breakthroughs in medicine, environment, and technology. We must keep the University of Colorado strong.

The Higher Education Reauthorization Act sets the policy and budget framework for student financial aid and regulatory policy. They have been working on passing a bill since 2003. We need to make a commitment to pass comprehensive legislation. It is time for Washington to stop stalling on this and set a strong course for colleges and universities. It is my intention to make this a top priority if elected to Congress, to move beyond stagnant one-year extensions and work to pass a viable and effective 5-year reauthorization that will benefit our student, colleges and universities.

We must reduce cost, provide greater access and keep a college diploma affordable. I look forward to building upon this framework and expand the opportunities that we can provide our college students.

I have a strong record on higher education. In 2005, I sponsored a bill to secure funding for the CU medical center. In 2006, I worked with you to pass Referendum C in order to save our schools. I am excited to go to Washington and fight for our schools and our students.

Community colleges are the cornerstone and primary point of entry for the 116,000 students who enroll annually seeking higher education. The role of the Colorado Community Colleges has never been more integral to the state’s continuing economic growth and workforce development. Community colleges are designed to address the needs of the communities they serve. They provide flexibility to changing market and business needs. Community colleges are the first opportunity for obtaining a higher education, and in some areas, community colleges are the only available avenue to access higher learning. In Congress, I would strongly support and strengthen community colleges.

Because of my work to protect higher education, the American Federation of Teachers have endorsed my campaign.