Fierce Advocate for Educational Opportunity
In the halls of Congress and throughout his career, Congressman Garamendi has been a fierce advocate for students and teachers, believing that America's prosperity depends on a well-educated workforce.
Garamendi has consistently spoken out against destructive cuts to all levels of education. Garamendi understands that laying off teachers means less individual attention to students, larger class sizes, more students dropping out of school, and ultimately a less competitive workforce.
Congressman Garamendi’s Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculating Act would lower student loan interest rates for all borrowers and save students and parents money. It would lower the current interest rate of 4.29% for undergraduate borrowers, 5.84% for graduate borrowers, and 6.84% for parent and graduate PLUS loan borrowers to 3.23% for all borrowers. Support is growing for this important legislation, with endorsements from the California State Student Association, California Democratic Party, and California Young Democrats.
Garamendi has also hosted a series of events in the district focused on encouraging young women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue high paying careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Garamendi supports federal investments in STEM education.
Congressman Garamendi is a reliable voice for education. He supports federal action to lower class sizes and to preserve after school programs and arts, music, and sports programs.
While serving as a UC Regent and CSU Trustee as California’s Lieutenant Governor, Garamendi voted against every tuition increase.