Ruben Kihuen on Education

Don't divert funding to private schools through vouchers

In the 2015 legislative session, I helped lead the way toward a solution to fully-fund K-12 education in Nevada by passing the largest investment in our state's history. I fought to include funding for full day kindergarten, English language learner programs and zoom schools.

In Congress, I will:
• Continue the fight to fully-fund early childhood education through the Head Start Program.
• Oppose any effort to put profits over people by diverting public school funding to private schools through vouchers.
• Ensure teachers have the proper training and tools they need to give our children the best education.

Let students borrow money near 0% interest, like big banks

In Congress, I will:
• Sponsor legislation to end the U.S. Government's practice of profiting from student loans. If the big banks can borrow money at or near 0% interest, so too should our students.
• Fight to make public colleges, universities and community colleges 100% free for all those who wish to attend.
• Work with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Congressional investigators to hold companies like Navient, the student loan servicing company, accountable when they take advantage of students in debt to bolster their profits.

Restore budget cuts for K-12 public education

Opinion in support by John Oceguera, the incoming speaker of the Nevada Assembly: The governor's budget cuts $668 million in state support for K-12, a cut of 27%. These proposed cuts, on top of cuts made in the last two years, will likely result in teacher layoffs, even larger classes, fewer career and technical education opportunities and elimination of full-day kindergarten and other programs proven to help students learn.

Gov. Sandoval's veto message: Were this bill to be enacted into law, insufficient revenue would be available for the Legislature to meets its obligation to prepare a balanced budget encompassing all areas of state responsibility..

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 26-16-0 on May/10/11; Passed Senate 11-10-0 on May/10/11; Senator Ruben Kihuen voted YES; Vetoed by Governor Brian Sandoval on May/16/11.