Judy Chu: “The author Robin Cook wrote that ``education is more than a luxury. It is a responsibility that society owes to…”

“The author Robin Cook wrote that ``education is more than a luxury. It is a responsibility that society owes to itself.'' Our country far too often neglects this duty. Every year, nearly 750,000 American teens become pregnant. Every year, 70 percent of these new teen mothers drop out of school. Every year, the lack of services to keep low-income parents in school focuses this problem on our Nation's most underprivileged communities. That's why I have introduced the Teen Parents Graduation and College Act. This bill would fund grants to help teen parents finish high school and college. It would provide tutoring and child care and counseling to help them succeed. It would let teen parents and their children lead better, fuller lives. This basic support is the least we owe our young people. Together we will ensure that the beginning of a new life doesn't mark the end of an education.”