[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Cortez Masto, 
        Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Menendez, Mr. 
        Murphy, and Ms. Warren):
  S. 2813. A bill to promote and support collaboration between 
Hispanic-serving institutions and local educational agencies with high 
enrollments of Hispanic or Latino students, and for other purposes; to 
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the 
Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2023, which I 
reintroduced today. -
  Hispanic-Serving Institutions, HSIs, provide incredible opportunities 
for millions of low-income and first-generation students. I am proud 
that my State of California is home to 170 HSIs and 47 emerging HSIs, 
the most in the country. That is why I launched the first-ever Senate 
HSI Caucus with my colleague, Senator Menendez--to spotlight and 
advocate for the 572 HSIs across our country. These critical 
institutions educate our future leaders and help to build a more 
diverse and inclusive workforce.
  During the pandemic, the number of HSIs in our country declined for 
the first time in two decades due to a decrease in higher education 
enrollment among Latino students during the pandemic. While the number 
of HSIs has since increased above prepandemic levels, this previous 
decrease illustrates the need for further investments in Latino youth. 
That is why I am reintroducing the HERE Act.
  If enacted, this bill would support Latino students throughout 
secondary and postsecondary education. Specifically, the HERE Act would 
provide $150 million for grants to create partnerships between HSIs and 
K-12 school districts that serve large populations of Latino students.
  Schools could use this funding to provide academic support that 
better prepares students for postsecondary education. They could create 
new programs to foster a college-going culture by exposing students and 
their families to postsecondary opportunities. And they could better 
support students through the college application and transition 
process. Additionally, schools could use grants to address non-academic 
needs that serve as barriers to college enrollment and completion--such 
as childcare, food insecurity, financial hardship, and more.
  Latinos are the largest, youngest, and second fastest growing 
minority population in the United States. While making up about 20 
percent of our country's population, Latinos comprise 26 percent of 
prekindergarten through grade 12 enrollment. Latino students are going 
to college more than ever before, but they still face lower educational 
outcomes, including lower grades, lower scores on standardized tests, 
and higher dropout rates.
  As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the 
country, I am proud to work with my colleagues to ensure the American 
dream is a reality for every student.
  I want to thank Congressman Joaquin Castro for introducing this bill 
with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this 
effort to empower Latino youth.
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Murkowski):
  S. 2815. A bill to provide for a wage differential program to support 
new nursing school faculty members; to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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