During his address today, President Obama called for a comprehensive approach to tackle rising college costs. As states have decreased higher education funding, colleges have been put in a difficult position and are having to provide the same great education with less.  The President reminded us that the responsibility must be shared by the federal government, states, colleges, and universities to truly promote access and affordability in higher education, by reining in college costs and preparing students with a solid education to succeed in their careers.  The President understands that providing incentives to promote access to affordable and quality education can spur these reforms like providing money  to hire new teachers or modernize school infrastructure.  His proposal sets a responsible tuition policy to lower net tuition costs and serves low-income students with increasing access to grants and work study programs.  Understanding that families need to be better informed to be good consumers, I applaud the Administration for unveiling new tools to help parents and students understand more clearly what colleges offer and cost.

As one of his pillars in his State of the Union address—to improve the skills of American workers with education and training so that we have a workforce prepared for the next century of jobs—the President focused today on the importance of tackling costs and access to ensure American students and workers can obtain the training and education they need to compete in a global economy.  His pillar epitomizes what we in Michigan are already doing to enhance worker retraining and expand access to education at our community colleges and universities.  Michigan houses some of the top education, research institutions, and technical training institutes in the world.  Our state has not only trained students for a variety of in-demand careers – health care, auto manufacturing, alternative energy production, engineering, and science, but also has provided ambitious entrepreneurs an opportunity to stay in our great state because hard work and responsibility is rewarded.

The President knows that it’s not enough to train the scientists and engineers of tomorrow at our world-class universities, we must keep them here at home and encourage their entrepreneurial spirit.  In the 21st century, there are new things to be made in America and we need a prepared workforce to make them.  We must support ongoing technical training for our workforce to maintain its adaptability to new and emerging industries. There is new R&D to be explored; there are new roads to be built, new hearts to be transplanted, and new small businesses to open.  We must find common ground to restore and revive the American Dream so that it is achievable for all.  All Americans deserve a fair shake, and everyone – regardless of their industry, their education or the size of their bank account–must have an opportunity to work to make this country great again.  There is no reason we cannot find a job for everyone. We can and we must.

The President is right: today is a make or break moment for America and we can make America’s future. I agree with him that Congress must enact legislation to keep student loan interest rates down and maintain and promote college affordability.   He believes we can, and so do the people of Michigan.   I again applaud him for coming to our 15th Congressional district and I am so proud and confident that his blueprint for America will be a success that lasts.

John D. Dingell