Education
Long before I was a businessman or a physicist, I was a curious kid. I was always taking things apart to see how they worked, or trying to make something new. It was this curiosity combined with the excellent education I received from public schools and universities that led me to start a business with my brother and to later pursue a career as a physicist.
As our economy becomes increasingly STEM-based, it has never been more important to ensure our students are getting the education and training they will need to thrive. I support the right of every young person to have access to a high-quality, affordable education that does not leave students with crippling debt. A good education is the key to future economic success.
More on Education
Progress Illinois
House Democrats are pressing their colleagues to address the student loan interest rate hike that is set to take effect July 1, if lawmakers fail to pass legislation that would stop the increase.
Sara Meers, AU Today
On Wednesday, May 29, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) visited the Aurora University campus to meet with educators, university officials and local business leaders regarding STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted against H.R. 1911 the Smarter Solutions for Students Act, which would raise student loan rates. If Congress fails to act before July 1, 2013 student loan rates will double – need-based loans for more than seven million students will jump from 3.4% to 6.8%. According to nonpartisan reports from the Congressional Research Service, H.R. 1911 would increase costs for students even more than letting loan rates double, adding almost $4 billion in interest charges.
Washington, DC—Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) introduced the 21st Century STEM Competitive Jobs Act, along with Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2), Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-14), Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), Joe Kennedy (MA-4), Rep. Jim Langevin (RI-2), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-2), Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (CA-35), Rep. Jared Polis (CO-2), Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY-25).
Chicago Tribune
As school districts across Illinois begin to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Joliet Township High School is working hard to ensure that students are experiencing relevant curricular projects that push students to think critically, while applying the information that they learn.
Stephen Ezell, Innovation Files
On March 20, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced The National Fab Lab Network Act of 2013 (H.R. 1289), which would create a federal charter for a non-profit organization called "The National Fab Lab Network" (NFLN). NFLN would act as a public-private partnership whose purpose is to facilitate the creation of a national network of fab labs and serve as a resource to assist stakeholders with their effective operation.
Eric Schelkopf, Kane County Chronicle
AURORA – U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, and Waubonsee Community College President Christine Sobek on Thursday announced a proposal to put a manufacturing laboratory in Waubonsee's downtown Aurora campus as a way to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
"Manufacturing is the way a city grows," Foster said during a roundtable discussion with Sobek, Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner and other business and community leaders. "Kids don't build stuff anymore. This is an opportunity to get back into that."
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) testified before the House Budget Committee on the importance of investing in education, research and development.
You can view video of Congressman Foster’s remarks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAbbceoXlGk&feature=youtu.be
A full transcript is below:
Thank you Mr. Chairman and to the ranking member for the opportunity to speak before the committee today.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) invited students from the 11th Congressional District to participate in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition. This year’s contest, entitled “An Artistic Discovery,” will feature young artists from across the country working in a variety of media.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) released the following statement in advance of the sequestration cuts set to take effect tomorrow:
“The sequestration cuts set to take place tomorrow are an unfortunate symptom of a greater problem, which is our government’s failure to act to find bipartisan solutions to the critical issues we face.