Policymaker Perspectives:
A Discussion with Representative Jacky Rosen
Policymaker Perspectives is a discussion series between ACTE and federal policymakers. It is intended to allow CTE professionals to hear directly from policymakers about their priorities and the work taking place in Washington to strengthen the CTE ecosystem.
Rep. Jacky Rosen was first elected to Congress in 2016 and represents Nevada’s Third Congressional District, which encompasses southern Nevada, including the suburbs of Las Vegas. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, paying for her education by taking out student loans and waiting tables. After graduation Rep. Rosen pursued her interest in computer science and has a unique background as a former computer programmer and systems analyst.
In Congress, Rep. Rosen serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and on the Armed Services Committee. In addition, she’s a member of a variety of congressional caucuses, including the Cybersecurity Caucus and Middle Class Jobs Caucus. In her short time in Congress, Rep. Rosen has quickly shown her passion for CTE, demonstrated by the fact that half of the bills she has introduced have focused on STEM issues. Rep. Rosen recently introduced two bipartisan bills aimed at investing in early childhood STEM education.
Representative Rosen is a longtime southern Nevada resident. Her husband is a radiologist and her daughter is currently in college. ACTE spoke with Rep. Rosen as part of our Policymaker Perspectives discussion series.
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ACTE: A Brookings Institution report has found that “[h]alf of all STEM jobs are available to workers without a four-year college degree, and these jobs pay $53,000 on average…” Another study found that nearly half of all talent recruiters at Fortune 1000 companies report trouble finding qualified candidates with two-year STEM degrees to fill vacant positions. How can congress help address workforce shortages in CTE fields?
Representative Rosen: There is a high demand for jobs in the STEM field across the country, with 500,000 computing jobs unfilled. I believe that we should be encouraging individuals, especially young students, to become well versed in STEM education and do more to highlight the many possibilities that a STEM education can provide. As a Congresswoman, I have made it a focus to introduce and co-sponsor legislation such as my Building Blocks of STEM Act and the Code Like a Girl Act. Both bills are bipartisan and would invest in early childhood STEM education.
ACTE: This Congress could consider the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. As a first generation college graduate who took out student loans and worked her way through school, what lessons have you learned that you will now draw from as a policymaker? Is it important for postsecondary students – whether they are seeking a credential or a two- or four-year degree – to have access to federal student financial aid?
Representative Rosen: I believe that education should be accessible and affordable for all Americans, which is why I wholeheartedly support federal student financial aid programs. In Congress, I am a cosponsor of the Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2017 (H.R. 2482), which would extend the Perkins Loan Program for 2 years. We should be working to ease the burden of student borrowers and their families in order to better give all Americans access to quality affordable education.
ACTE: Two of the bills you have introduced this year address access to STEM. The first, H.R. 3316, “direct[s] the National Science Foundation to award grants to encourage young girls to participate in computer science and other STEM activities…” The other, H.R. 3397, “direct[s] the National Science Foundation to support STEM education research focused on early childhood.” Why is increasing access to STEM such an important issue for you?
Representative Rosen: As one of the few women who built her career in what’s been long considered a male-dominated industry, we’ve made progress; however, women and minorities are still underrepresented in STEM fields. I believe we must provide equal access and build a more inclusive workforce. The disparity in diversity in STEM fields is depriving our country of talented minds that could be inventing the next breakthrough technology, founding the next big startup, or keeping our nation safe from cyberattacks. In Nevada, there are close to 3,000 open jobs in computing, but not enough candidates who are qualified to fill these positions. By increasing the number of women and minorities in STEM careers - the qualified labor pool that the U.S. relies on for innovation and production – we will maintain our global competitiveness and expand our economy. That’s why since entering Congress, I’ve made it a top priority to promote opportunities for women and minorities in STEM by supporting legislation that breaks down barriers for all.
ACTE: The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology was originally a committee created in response to the space race in the 1950s. As a member of the committee with jurisdiction over a significant amount of scientific research and development, does the United States have the workforce necessary to continue to lead in scientific and technological innovation and discovery? Does CTE play an important role in helping to prepare the next generation of astronauts, programmers and engineers?
Representative Rosen: America has a rich and illustrious history of being on the cutting edge of STEM. My district is home to the Hoover Dam - one of the most impressive engineering marvels of our time. From putting a man on the moon to accomplishing breakthroughs in computing, technology and science, our country has consistently been on a sprint towards exploring the new frontiers. We must always work to encourage and embolden the fire of innovation that is at the very heart of this country. It is up to all of us - educators, public servants, and organizations like ACTE - to help to kindle the inspiration and drive for science and technology that can be brought forth in future generations of Americans. I look forward to working with CTE however I can to help prepare the next generation of leaders who are ready to solve our country’s biggest challenges.
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