Education
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(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Congressman Jim Banks, (R-IN) reintroduced The Student Loan Disclosure Modernization Act, HR 1161. The bill modernizes the Department of Education's (ED) Plain Language Disclosure Form making the form simpler for student loan borrowers to understand before signing an agreement.
(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II condemns the recently released Federal School Safety Commission Report. The Trump administration's report is a NRA-backed proposal which recommends arming teachers instead of focusing on making schools safer.
"The report ignores a common denominator of all of the tragic school shootings our country has suffered, and that is, easy access to assault style firearms designed for war," said Congressman Cleaver.
In 2017, there were nearly 40,000 gun deaths in the United States, the highest total in decades.
One of the Superintendents in my district contacted me a while back to help him with an issue. At least 250 students in the Kansas City Public School District had signed on to be a part of the mentorship program. These kids and their families wanted a mentor in their lives. But there was a problem, the school district didn't have enough mentors from the community to pair with the students who asked for one. More than half of the students on the list who are waiting for mentors are young African American and Latino boys.
I recently had the opportunity to speak to educators to kick off the start of a new school year in the Kansas City Public School District. I know the value of educators and those who give their all to help children.
A teacher's job is the most important job because teachers change lives. They have the ability to connect with students beyond academics, in other aspects of their lives. A teacher's personal interest can make the difference in whether or not a student returns to school or even whether he or she graduates.
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) sent letters to the CEO's of the four largest student loan servicers - Navient, Nelnet, Great Lakes and FedLoan Servicing - urging them to address consumercomplaints about inadequate servicing, poor record-keeping, and steering borrowers into costly repayment plans.
"We write to you with deep concern over the rising rate of student loan defaults and continuous claims of fraudulent practices in lending, servicing, and collecting," the letter states.
It was a small request to ask but it could have enormous results. This week, amidst the talk of indictments and tax plans, I called for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate an area that affects nearly 44 million Americans. It is the reason why so many people are inundated with evening phone calls from collectors. Why working families and young people -just starting out - are troubled with their daily finances. Why some people think twice about going to college. I'm talking about student loans.