More than ever, a college diploma unlocks economic opportunity, provides students with a wealth of new skills and knowledge, and encourages innovation and growth. But more than ever, it also comes with a mountain of student loan debt.

A well-educated populace is the backbone of our middle-class.

I had hoped all of Congress would recognize that it is imperative for our health, economy, and national security that we address the effects of climate change before they get even worse.

I believe that climate change represents one of the greatest threats to our national security and our planet.

How can the cost of education be the cost of life? It is unacceptable; it is reprehensible that we have allowed it to fester.

My father, Robert Ernst, was teaching as an architect at the technical high school of our city.

I was in special ed, but I felt like I was a caged bird. I felt like I could do better. I made sure I mastered my special ed lessons. I made sure I listened to my teacher. I made sure I did my homework, but I had to do a little extra.

I had an Edinburgh, middle-class childhood and a public school education.