Peter Welch has been a champion for working Vermonters throughout his career. Since his election to Congress in 2006, he has been widely recognized as a thoughtful and effective legislator who chooses governing over gridlock.
Peter’s record reflects his strong commitment to bringing people together to find common sense solutions to the difficult challenges facing our state and nation. In an era of partisanship, he has worked across the aisle to create jobs, increase access to affordable education and health care, invest in energy efficiency, protect our environment, and care for our veterans.
"For many Vermonters, a college degree is increasingly out of reach. Those who do get their diploma are often saddled with a mountain of student loan debt. Congress must increase student financial aid and give borrowers the opportunity to refinance student loans at today’s lower rates. At the same time, institutions of higher learning must bring their costs under control so that tuition and fees don’t outpace the ability of middle class families to afford them."
In the fall of 2015, Rep. Welch held a roundtable at the University of Vermont with students, parents and recent graduates to discuss the challenges they face in financing a college education. He unveiled his legislative agenda for an affordable higher education which includes simplifying the loan process, cutting college costs, innovative degree programs, and fully funding student aid programs.