As a former student of the public school system and son of a schoolteacher, I understand the importance of quality education. I believe every child should have the same access to educational opportunities to learn and grow, and those opportunities are produced through local control. Parents and local educators know the best way to provide for the unique needs of their students, not bureaucrats in Washington.

In order to create the most effective and sustainable education programs, we must move away from a one-size-fits-all education system. Missouri’s third district is home to a range of higher education institutions including community colleges, career and technical educational institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Specifically, career and technical education programs must be utilized to provide the skills training necessary to fill jobs in our communities and meet the demands of our expanding workforce. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to advance policies that support continuing and higher education institutions in providing for our nation’s students.