It’s hard to believe that June is here already. This means school is over and the summer season of family trips and activities is upon us. With the school year ended, it’s important to consider the important changes that have taken place since the beginning of the year, many of which could have an important effect next fall. For example, the Senate has finally joined the House in passing legislation to fully fund special education, one of my top priorities coming into Congress. For too long, local school districts have been spending billions in local tax dollars, simply because Washington hasn’t kept its promises. By funding this mandate for special education, local dollars would be freed up to fund local priorities, which could be relieve over-crowded classrooms, raise teacher pay, or buy new classroom supplies and textbooks. The end of the school year means graduation day for many students. Every year more of these graduates will continue their education. One of the real privileges of my job is having the chance to speak with students. This year I had the honor of addressing my daughter Emily’s commencement ceremony. Like most teenagers, I’m sure she was confident I would embarrass her. I know how important higher education is to the American dream. I was the first Kennedy boy to go to college. It’s a big deal in every family. I also know how parents struggle to pay for college. Fortunately, this summer Congress will pass legislation to help more working families send their kids to school. The Higher Education Bill funds our community colleges, colleges and universities. It helps students and families by reducing loan costs, fees and red tape. We will also consider the Education Spending Bill this summer, to expand Pell Grants and college loans. The budget would give 5.3 million students Pell Grants in 2005-06, increase funding by $856 million, and increase college loan limits for first-year students to $3,000. Another rite of summer is hitting the road for that family vacation. Some of my fondest memories are piling in the car, both as a child and as a parent, with my family, and crossing the country. But this might be tougher for families to accomplish this year, with gas prices high and getting higher. High gas prices reinforce what some of us have been saying for years: America is in need of responsible energy policy. The United States is the first to increase domestic capacity. The refining industry is already operating at 97 percent of its total capacity, and regulations have resulted in the decline of the total number of refineries in the last few years. We have attempted to reform these regulations, making it possible to repair and make improvements to existing facilities. This could allow an increase in output without a negative effect on the environment, and could also improve efficiency, safety, and reliability of these plants. Another way to bring down gas prices is to make sure the Energy Bill passes the Senate. This bill passed the House last year. It would enhance energy conservation as well as research and development, while providing security and diversity in our country’s energy supply. Minnesota stands to benefit from this bill because of its focus on renewable energy, like bio-diesel and ethanol. The kick off to summer means many things to Minnesota families; the school year is ending, and the summer driving season is about to begin. This shouldn’t be a time when parents stress about how to pay for that vacation, or next year’s tuition. I’m working hard in Congress to make sure we do what we can to bring down the cost of these important family priorities.
