Applauds idea of public service academy

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I wish to applaud U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray for signing on to co-sponsor the U.S. Public Service Academy Act. As a student, I believe this was a great move.

According to the Partnership for Public Service, about 90 percent of the federal government’s leadership becomes eligible to retire within 10 years. This includes law-enforcement officers, teachers, health-care professionals and other critical leaders at all levels of government.

Even at a reasonably priced college, it is estimated that the average student graduates with $20,000 in debt. Some service professions, like teaching, do not pay well. Trying to pay off college debt as well as other costs of living can dishearten those who want to teach.

The U.S. Public Service Academy would provide a free four-year education on the premise that the student would serve the government for five years. For about 70 cents per American per year (less than the cost of WTA bus fare), we can build a national institution dedicated to filling the need for public servants in our government.

I agree with the senators’ decision to support the academy, and hope that you will do the same. For more information, visit www.uspublicserviceacademy.org.

Stephanie Vis
Lynden

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