This week, freshman U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., introduced his first bill in Congress which would reduce the burden for students who obtain degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines.
Soto unveiled the American Science Principal and Interest Reduction and Employment (ASPIRE) Act, calling for a “25 percent reduction in federal student loans for students who graduate with a degree in a STEM field, including loans taken out by parents.”
On Tuesday, Soto explained why he had brought out the proposal.
"These are the jobs of the future and our goal is to motivate our youth to get an education and train in a career that is in high demand," said Soto. “Working to create high-paying jobs is my priority in this Congress but everything starts with a solid education."
Soto pointed to numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) which show STEM jobs offer almost twice the national average of other jobs. The Central Florida Democrat also noted that BLS is estimating there will be 9 million STEM jobs in the United States by 2022.
After he brought it out on Tuesday, Soto’s bill was sent to the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee. There is currently no companion measure in the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., announced that he was going to co-sponsor Soto’s bill.
“STEM fields are an important driver of the 21st century economy,” Swalwell said on Wednesday. “With millions of young people and families in financial quicksand from mounting student debt, we must do what we can to relieve that weight and not deter students from pursuing degrees in fields that will progress innovation. Thanks to Congressman Soto to help support the young people who are building the future of our nation.”
Comments
Now that is "break-with"
Why would we discriminate
Thank You Representative Soto