2020 TX Senate race: on Education
MJ Hegar:
Government should not profit off of student loan interest
Hegar said that student loans should be reevaluated so that the government "is not profiting off of student loan interest," and
more options to pay back student loans, such as community service, can be given to students.
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
MJ Hegar:
Investment in public school is investment in nation's future
Every child, regardless of where they come from or how much money their family makes, should have access to an affordable and quality education. I will advocate for Texas public schools and teachers, because I believe an investment in strong public
schools is an investment in our nation's future. Teachers, educators, and school staff deserve to be treated with respect and to be paid salaries worthy of the critical service they provide to society.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
MJ Hegar:
Lower interest rates on student debt, ensure affordability
Far too many Texans struggle from crippling student loan debt. We must put an end to the government profiting off loans by lowering interest rates on student debt, while also ensuring all higher education is more affordable for current and future
students. Every student loan should have a grace period of at least several months during which the loan does not accrue interest.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
Sema Hernandez:
Opposes government funding of charter schools
Traditional public schools are the best and fairest means of providing all children with equal and equitable education. I oppose government funding of charter schools.
I will introduce or support federal legislation to increase funding for all public schools, but especially for poverty-stricken communities which lack textbooks and basic infrastructure.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Sema Hernandez:
Trade schools & public colleges should be tuition-free
Higher education is an essential component of any civilized and productive society. The right to pursue higher education should be available to all without burdensome student debt. We must pass legislation that makes trade schools, public colleges,
and universities tuition-free. Ensuring training and education to everyone is the best way to strengthen our economy and combat systemic poverty. Education and training should be a priority in our national budget.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Make Universal Childcare and Pre-K a guaranteed right
Currently, the average Texas family pays $9,324 a year just for childcare for an infant child. On average, that's $777 per month.
With universal childcare and Pre-K as a guaranteed right, Texans won't have to choose between work and family, and every child will have better education and care.
Fully funding our education system and tackling the crisis of student debt is just basic common sense and sound economic policy. It means we invest in our greatest asset: our people. Cristina will make sure our kids go to great schools with great
teachers by fully funding the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which currently does not adequately meet the needs of our students and ensuring that teachers are compensated and trained like the professionals they are.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Cancel student debt; make public universities tuition free
Cristina supports canceling student debt for millions of Americans that are struggling to pay back their loans.
Cristina also supports efforts to make public universities and community college tuition-free. We'll continue building the strongest economy in the world by investing appropriately in education.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Offer debt relief & free tuition for low income students
Tuition is too high and student loan interest rates make it nearly impossible to even pay off your debt. We must offer debt relief programs for the millions of Texans who are unable to invest in buying a home or vehicle due to the burden of their debt.
We need to invest in Community Colleges, offering free tuition for low income students. The path from a Community College into a 4-year institution is complicated and uneven, and it is imperative to make that pathway easier to navigate.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Investing in public schools a top priority
Investing in K-12 education is one of my top priorities. One of the things we did was make sure funding followed our low-income students. Money would be given to schools based on the number of
low-income students in attendance. We also passed a statewide pay increase for teachers to ease the burden they face. Teacher's shouldn't worry about paying for their own school supplies out of pocket.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Free community college, not sure about student debt
Q: What about student debt?A: One of the things I will be doing is working on figuring out how students can at least get a community college degree without having to pay for it.
Q: Do you support calls to completely eliminate student debt for
everyone and make college free for all?
A: If we can do it in a realistic manner, and tie that into the other priorities we have like health care. The question becomes if you only have a finite amount of money, then which one do you prioritize?
Source: The Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jul 28, 2019
Page last updated: Oct 24, 2020