Just as many want to see Iowa's commitment to public schools and educational excellence grow even stronger. As Iowa's senior U.S. Senator, I share these concerns. Iowa can continue to cultivate the best and brightest in our classrooms and give the next crop of family farmers the opportunity to prosper in the new century. My positions on the Senate Finance, Judiciary and Agriculture Committees give me the opportunity to advocate for the family farmer and help provide greater educational opportunities for the next generation. For instance, this year Congress has a good chance to take bipartisan steps that will allow schools in Iowa to raise the bar on educational standards.
Academic achievement gives young people more choices and better opportunities.
The federal government currently has in place 800 education programs spread across 39 federal agencies. This doesn't strike me as the best use of limited resources. The current system lacks accountability and is ripe for duplication and wasteful spending. I support efforts to give local school districts, teachers and parents greater control of the classroom. Visiting each of Iowa's 99 counties at least once every year keeps me tuned in to the concerns discussed on Main Street.