Education & Youth Empowerment
Every child deserves a fair shot — no matter their zip code, family income, or background. But in Texas’s 33rd District, too many young people are trapped in underfunded schools, burdened by predatory student debt, or left out of opportunities that should belong to everyone. Zeeshan’s vision is bold and simple: make education a right, not a privilege. That means tuition-free public colleges and trade schools, stronger public school funding, fair pay for teachers, and youth programs that spark creativity, leadership, and opportunity. Because when we invest in our kids, we build a future where every family can thrive.
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| Issues |  | Julie Johnson | Colin Allred |
|---|---|---|---|
Tuition-Free Public College & Trade School | Proposes universal tuition-free public college and trade school, and cracking down on predatory for-profit colleges. | Does not support universal free college; only advocates for incremental affordability measures. | Does not support universal free college; only advocates for incremental affordability measures. |
Combatting Predatory For-Profit Colleges | Vows to eliminate exploitative for-profit diploma mills that leave students in debt. | Has not yet introduced or cosponsored federal legislation to eliminate for-profit diploma mills. | No significant legislative leadership targeting for-profit colleges; supports general oversight but never introduced or cosponsored federal legislation to eliminate for-profit diploma mills. |
Student Debt Relief & Loan Reform | Prioritizes cancelling student debt for those exploited and lowering tuition costs overall – focusing on bold relief, not just improved counseling. | Supports targeted reforms (e.g., income-based repayment for Parent PLUS loans) rather than broad cancellation of student debt. | Advocates for targeted relief and improved repayment options but does not support student debt cancellation. |
Public School Funding & Teacher Pay | Demands fully funded public schools and much higher teacher pay, with federal support to ensure equitable funding regardless of zip code. | Has not introduced or cosponsored national legislation to mandate higher teacher pay when in office. | Did not introduce or cosponsor national legislation to mandate higher teacher pay when in office. |
Beyond Academics – Youth Programs & Empowerment | Supports expanding arts, sports, STEM, apprenticeships and other youth development programs to foster leadership and creativity, not just academics. | Focuses on general education funding; has not proposed specific federal initiatives for youth arts, sports, apprenticeships, or leadership development. | Prioritizes academic access over holistic youth empowerment programs like federal arts or sports initiatives. |
An America Where Every Family Can Thrive
Invest in Our Kids. Build the Future. Level the Playing Field.
Education is the great equalizer — or at least, it should be. But today, far too many young people in America are held back not by their talent or ambition, but by underfunded schools, crushing student debt, and a system that privileges profit over people.
We must radically reimagine education in this country — not as a privilege for the few, but as a guaranteed right for all. Our children deserve more than just a seat in the classroom — they deserve a path to opportunity, creativity, and leadership in a changing world.
Tuition-Free Public College & Trade School
A good education should never leave you in debt. In today’s economy, a high school diploma alone is often not enough — yet higher education remains out of reach for millions.
- Make public colleges and trade schools tuition-free for all U.S. students.
- Eliminate predatory lending practices and shut down for-profit diploma mills that trap students in lifelong debt with worthless degrees.
- Cancel student debt for borrowers targeted by exploitative for-profit schools.
- Expand access to apprenticeships, certification programs, and trade education — not every student needs a four-year degree, but every student deserves opportunity.
No young person should be forced to mortgage their future for an education.
Fully Fund Public Schools & Respect Our Teachers
We cannot build a just society without strong public schools. Yet today, many schools in low-income and rural areas operate with crumbling infrastructure, outdated textbooks, and underpaid teachers.
- Guarantee full and equitable funding for every public school in America — regardless of zip code.
- Raise teacher salaries to reflect the essential work they do. Teaching should be a respected, well-paid profession — not a sacrifice.
- Ensure every student has access to modern learning environments, including high-speed internet, safe classrooms, and healthy meals.
- Increase funding for special education, ESL programs, and school counselors, so every child receives the support they need to thrive.
We believe in neighborhood schools that inspire, nurture, and empower — not just test and discipline.
The Future Starts with the Young — And We’re Fighting for It
We’re not just investing in schools. We’re investing in the future engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, and public servants who will lead this country forward.
No more band-aids. No more broken promises. We need bold investment — and real respect — for the next generation.