Tens of thousands of North Carolinians are grappling with crippling student loan debt that undermines their economic security and prevents them from buying homes and starting new businesses. That’s why in Congress, I have introduced a series of bills that will help alleviate the burden of student loan debt, and I’m prioritizing common-sense proposals to address college affordability. I will also continue to fight back against lenders and institutions that make false promises and defraud our students.

Community colleges open new doors of opportunity for thousands of students in Wake County every year. That’s why I am proud to have fought for direct federal funding for critical programs at Wake Tech that are preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. In my first term, I secured more than $900,000 in federal investment in Wake Tech’s electric vehicle technician training program and $600,000 for the college’s Reach program to support first-generation and Latino students.

As a member of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, I am also continuing to fight for the federal resources that North Carolina’s outstanding HBCUs and their students need to thrive.

I strongly support tuition-free community college, which offers disadvantaged students a fair shot at a great education and future professional success.