Joe Biden is fighting back against the Republican onslaught against education, but he is doing so cautiously. The President has proposed increased funding for schools, but he has also made sure to focus on helping improve the quality of education, rather than just throwing more money at the problem. He has proposed expanding support for teachers, expanding access to high-quality early childhood education, and better aligning federal resources with local needs.
Biden has also proposed a number of measures to make higher education more affordable, including increasing Pell Grants, expanding income-based repayment plans, and capping student loan payments at 10 percent of a borrower’s discretionary income. He has proposed making college free for families making below a certain income level, but has yet to specify how exactly that would be implemented.
In contrast to the GOP’s proposal to eliminate the Education Department, Biden has instead sought to bolster the department, proposing an influx of funds and additional staffing and resources. He has also called on Congress to invest in strong school infrastructure, such as safe space, technology, and updated textbooks, which would further improve the quality of education.
It remains to be seen how Biden will ultimately fare in his battle against Republican attempts to weaken public education. But for now, he is taking cautious steps to ensure that education remains a priority, and that opportunities for students are not diminished.
