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Why UHPA Endorses Brian Schatz

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz represents a fresh, new era for Hawaii in Congress since the retirement of Sen. Daniel Akaka and the passing of Sen. Daniel Inouye.  He offers a fresh perspective and new insights on key issues affecting UH faculty, students, and the local economy.

Making Headway in Congress
When he was appointed U.S. Senator, he immediately reached out to UHPA and our members to ask how he could help address the university’s budgetary concerns. He has proven he can effectively make headway on federal legislation that affect us in Hawaii and will continue to look after the best interests of Hawaii, now and in the long term.

Advocating for Affordable College Education
For example, he introduced the College Affordability and Innovation Act of 2014, which supports colleges that provide an affordable, high-quality education. He also sponsored a bill to let student borrowers refinance their student loans at lower interest rates as a way to make their college debt more manageable after graduation. Sen. Schatz also helped to pass another bill to cut the interest rate of student loans in half.

Long-Term Impact for Hawaii
Sen. Schatz serves on the Senate committee for commerce, science and transportation, which oversees policies and legislation that have many implications for our island state. He also serves on the committee that addresses Native Hawaiian concerns.