As the son of a public school educator and as the father of three young boys, Conner is dedicated to improving our public education system. Helping kids and strengthening education will be at the centerpiece of his work as U.S. Senator, and Conner will not rest until every child in Arkansas has access to a good education.

Strengthening early education will ensure every child gets off to a strong start, and making college affordable will reinvigorate our economy.  Building partnerships between the private sector and our vocational schools will ensure Arkansas has the highly-skilled workforce we need for sustainable economic growth in the 21st Century.  Education is the key that unlocks opportunity.  Let’s make Arkansas “The Land of Opportunity” once again.

Pre-School through 12^th Grade:

• There’s a reason why pre-kindergarten programs are supported by Republicans, Democrats and pro-business groups like the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce- because they work.
• Children enrolled in quality pre-kindergarten are more likely to graduate high school and less likely to depend on welfare as adults. Children who attend pre-kindergarten are less likely to be incarcerated and more likely to attend college.  These are win-win outcomes for our children and for our entire state.
• We must also ensure our children grow up and learn in safe, modern public schools with good, well-paid teachers and supportive communities. Conner supports local control and will empower local communities so that they can make the best decisions for their schools and their students.
• All of our educators and education-support professionals should have access to the training and technology they need to provide the best education possible.
• Conner will help bring more innovation in the classroom and a stronger focus on STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics).
• Conner wants to provide strong alternative paths that allow students to pursue career education in partnership with our community colleges, vocational and technical schools.

College Affordability

Access to higher education is critical to strengthening families and helping mold the next generation of leaders who will move Arkansas into the future.  College still remains unaffordable and out-of-reach for too many Arkansas students.

Too many of our graduates today are over-burdened by student debt — so much so they can’t start a business, buy a home, or invest in ways that allow our economy to grow.  We must act on this crisis.

Unfortunately, students and families don’t have an advocate in Sen. John Boozman.  He voted to cut Pell grants — the same grants that help make college affordable for thousands of Arkansas families.  Boozman has even refused to embrace common-sense ideas like allowing students to refinance their debt at current lower interest rates.

As your next U.S. Senator, Conner will fight for a comprehensive plan to help America’s college students and graduates pay back their loans. Here’s our plan:

• Lower student loan interest rates and increase Pell Grant funding.
• Ensure flexibility in student loan terms so that the payment never exceeds ability to pay, and push for alternative ways to pay back or restructure student loans, such as through government or nonprofit service.
• Incentivize colleges and universities to reduce costs, reduce tuition and increase graduation rates.
• Accountability for colleges to provide education that meets our workforce needs.
• Strengthen our historically black colleges and universities.

Community Colleges & Career Training

In Arkansas, our community colleges and technical schools play a critical role in economic development.  They allow Arkansans to acquire the skills and training required to land a good-paying job.  To prepare every Arkansan with the tools of opportunity needed to take advantage of our rapidly changing economy. Here’s my plan:

• Promote partnerships between high schools, businesses and community colleges.
• Promote and strengthen partnerships between community colleges and the private sector to provide an educated workforce for the increasing demand of skilled labor.
• Ensure and improve job training assistance for workers laid off or transitioning between careers.