Education
Universal access to quality education is one of Congresswoman Matsui’s top priorities in Congress. She believes we need to improve our education system from Pre-K through college, both in Sacramento and nationwide.
Congresswoman Matsui supported a bipartisan, far-reaching education law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act called the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA aims to prepare our children for the challenges of the future by investing in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, increasing access to high quality preschool, and raising academic standards. As classes have transitioned online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congresswoman introduced the Enhancing K-12 Cybersecurity Act. This legislation would enhance cybersecurity at K-12 schools by promoting access to information, better tracking cyberattacks nationally, and increasing the amount of cybersecurity experts in schools.
Congresswoman Matsui is also committed to making sure that high school graduates have access to an affordable college education. The Congresswoman believes all young people should be able to fulfill their higher education ambitions. In order to cultivate a well-trained, competitive workforce that is capable of keeping abreast of the dynamic global market, the dream of a college education must be within the reach of every qualified student. The Congresswoman has continued to support the Pell Grant program and oppose cuts to these grants, which help make higher education a reality for so many young people.
Local educators and administrative staff have also done a wonderful job applying for new federal grant opportunities. The Congresswoman will continue to work with local school districts to ensure they have the resources they need to apply for federal grants.
Links to Helpful Education Funding Resources:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Sacramento CAL-SOAP (California Student Opportunity Access Program) Consortium
Federal and State Education Links:
School Districts within the California 6th Congressional District:
Sacramento City Unified School District
Twin Rivers Unified School District
Natomas Unified School District
Washington Unified School District
Accomplishments
Wrote a letter to Congressional leadership with Congressman Langevin (RI-02), urging them to include additional K-12 Cybersecurity support in the Build Back Better Act
Wrote a letter with Senator Hirono (D-HI) to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona encouraging the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to establish an Office for Gender Equity (OGE) within the agency
Helped secure a historic $1 billion in funding for AmeriCorps as part of the American Rescue Plan
Led a group of 31 colleagues in writing to the Biden Administration to support the creation of a program for HVAC system maintenance and energy efficiency upgrades in our nation’s schools.
Legislation
H.R.4966 - Healthier and Greener Schools Act of 202
H.R. 3513 - the Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act (GEEA) of 2019
H.R.4005 - Enhancing K–12 Cybersecurity Act