Springfield Standard

Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at a hearing focused on the expansion of school choice and alternatives to traditional four-year college degrees. The hearing, titled “Opening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees,” addressed issues related to academic achievement and workforce readiness in the United States.

In his prepared statement, Burlison discussed concerns about the current state of American education. He said that for 25 years, reading and math proficiency have remained stagnant and argued that the focus of traditional K-12 education has shifted away from learning outcomes toward college admissions rates.

“For many decades, college has been thought of as the key to success in America—college degrees guaranteed high paying, comfortable jobs. But the promise of college as a guaranteed path to prosperity is now waning. Half of the undergraduate class of 2023 now works in jobs that don’t even require a degree,” Burlison said.

He also highlighted changes in the job market due to economic shifts and advances in artificial intelligence, which have led to fewer entry-level white-collar positions and an oversupply of college graduates facing significant debt. At the same time, he noted a shortage of skilled workers such as manufacturing technicians, tradespeople, and engineers.

“It’s time we reevaluate our education system,” Burlison stated.

Burlison pointed out legislative efforts by President Trump and Congressional Republicans aimed at reforming education policy. He cited the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law earlier this year, which incentivizes scholarships and gives parents more options for choosing schools for their children.

“School choice is not a theory. It is freedom. It is competition. It is accountability. It is vital to the economic future of our country. It should be as American as apple pie and baseball,” he said.

The need for alternative educational pathways beyond K-12 was also emphasized. Burlison referenced Department of Labor data showing that trade apprenticeships can lead to salaries $11,000 higher than those earned by recent college graduates.

“Careers in the trades, as we will hear from our witnesses today, are vital, offer high paying jobs, and provide ample opportunities across our nation,” he said.

Burlison concluded by stressing that America’s youth deserve more post-secondary educational options tailored to their needs and those of local economies.

Eric Burlison currently serves in Congress representing Missouri’s 7th district after replacing Billy Long in 2023 (https://burlison.house.gov/about). He previously served in both chambers of Missouri’s legislature before joining Congress (https://burlison.house.gov/about). Born in Springfield in 1976, Burlison resides in Ozark (https://burlison.house.gov/about) and holds two degrees from Missouri State University (https://burlison.house.gov/about).