Speaker Bill Howell: “We need Ed’s strong leadership to ensure that higher education is a beacon of opportunity to grow our economy and improve lives. I’m confident Ed Gillespie has the talent and focus to make the necessary improvements to enhance our already-stellar higher education system.”

Policy Leadership Team Co-Chair Speaker-designee Kirk Cox: “Virginia is home to many excellent institutions of higher education. From our four-year programs to our community colleges, Virginia has led the nation in ensuring higher education is a key differentiator for our families and businesses. What we need next is a set of reforms to make college more affordable, accessible and responsive to the needs of Virginians. Ed has those ideas and makes clear through this plan that he is serious about higher education.”

Policy Leadership Team Co-Chair Senator Mark Obenshain: “Ed Gillespie is committed to getting tuition and spending under control through thoughtful policies that address long-term structural reforms necessary to improve higher education in Virginia. We are blessed to be home to fine universities, including my hometown institution James Madison University, and we need a governor who will make higher education a priority.”

Co-Chair of the Education Working Group Senator Steve Newman: “Virginia is known throughout the nation as home to top-flight institutions of higher education. Our public and private institutions combine to offer Virginia and the world access to high-quality educational opportunities. This is important to economic development and job creation. I look forward to working with Ed to make Virginia the ‘Opportunity Capital’ of the Nation!”

Co-Chair of the Education Working Group Delegate Tag Greason: “I continue to be impressed with Ed’s thoughtful approach to complicated issues. He understands that affordability and excellence are not mutually exclusive. Ed will be a strong partner for Virginia families in making sure higher education is possible. His plan is important to continuing the American Dream in Virginia.”

Co-Chair of the Education Working Group Delegate Dave LaRock: “Virginia needs strong leadership in higher education to get results for Virginia’s families and employers. We need to end the brain drain in Virginia and Ed’s plan goes a long way to addressing those problems. Ed will be an excellent higher education governor for Virginia.”

Chairman of the House Education Committee Delegate Steve Landes: “Virginia’s higher education system will be made better through Ed’s leadership. If we are to make college more affordable, we must address structural problems facing our system of higher education. Ed’s plan does just that and does so in a constructive manner that will ensure the high-quality we expect from our institutions of higher education.”

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