Washington, D.C. — New U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Rep. Mazie Hirono to the House Committee on Education and Labor this week, putting the Kaua‘i native in a position to oversee education on all levels. “Education is the foundation
Washington, D.C. — New U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Rep. Mazie Hirono to the House Committee on Education and Labor this week, putting the Kaua‘i native in a position to oversee education on all levels.
“Education is the foundation of our community,” Hirono said in a statement. “Access to high quality, affordable public education is vital to the future of our nation in today’s competitive global community.”
Hirono was also appointed to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The executive director of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, Joan Husted, was pleased with the appointment.
“It is very good for public education to have an advocate with a proven track record like Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. Her leadership of the Hawai‘i Policy Group of the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future led to the establishment of the Pre-Plus preschool program in the state. The Committee on Education and Labor is a wonderful place to use her experience as a legislator and lieutenant governor.”
Hirono said she asked for the assignment so she could help shape federal policy on issues ranging from early learning through secondary education and from job training through retirement, according to a release from her office.
She said her priorities focus on programs that enhance student learning.
“Education should be the great equalizer for children,” Hirono said.
