Hoeven Addresses North Dakota Student Council Association Conference

Senator Outlines Efforts to Expand Access to STEM Education, Improve College Affordability & Support Entrepreneurs

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today addressed the North Dakota Association of Student Councils state conference, where he recognized the hard work of student leaders from across the state.

“Running for student council takes initiative and drive, qualities that our state and nation need from future generations to remain prosperous and continue growing,” said Hoeven. “These student leaders will one day take the reins of business and government, helping to shape our country, from their local communities all the way up to the national level. That’s why we continue working to ensure they receive the support they need to realize their potential, while also ensuring a strong and growing economy to give them opportunities for successful and fulfilling careers.”

During the event, Hoeven discussed his efforts to expand opportunities for students to gain training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and pursue careers in the critical industries of the future. The senator stressed that this will help secure North Dakota’s continued growth as a hub of technology entrepreneurship, create good job opportunities and ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global economy. Accordingly, Hoeven is:

• Working to empower schools to expand access to STEM education, while supporting STEM education initiatives for young children.
• Cosponsoring the following measures to improve college affordability:

• Employer Participation in Repayment Act, which was signed into law and allows employers to provide tax-free student loan repayment up to $5,250 per year.
• Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, a bill to make Pell grants more flexible by extending Pell eligibility to students pursuing high-quality, shorter-term job training programs that meet regional workforce needs.
• Supporting the success of the state’s tech entrepreneurs by helping introduce bipartisan legislation like:
• The Support Our Start-Ups Act to enable entrepreneurs to deduct more of their start-up costs and invest more into their operations sooner.
• The Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act, which would make portable benefits more accessible for entrepreneurs and provide greater certainty for them and their families.

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