Today Congressman Dave Loebsack received the Council for Resource Development Congressional Award. The award is intended to recognize a U.S. Congressperson or Senator who has assisted significantly in the passage of legislation or other support that benefits higher education, particularly community college education.

"As a former college professor, to be recognized for my work on behalf of higher education and community colleges is wonderful and very humbling," said Loebsack. "I am very proud to be able to support the causes and people I wholeheartedly believe make a difference in so many students’ lives."

As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, Congressman Loebsack has numerous education initiatives. Some include:

• Year Round Pell Grants for Part-Time Students – Congressman Loebsack successfully sponsored an amendment to expand pending legislation to ensure that the new year-round Pell Grant was available to part-time and certificate students.
• American Graduation Initiative - Congressman Loebsack played a significant role in support of the American Graduation Initiative, which has now been passed by the House.
• SECTORS Bill - Congressman Loebsack has introduced legislation to help develop programs that encourage growth and competitiveness in targeted industries, help with worker training and development, and promote coordination with entities that carry out state and local workforce investment, economic development, and education activities, such as institutions of higher education.