Congressman Joe Sestak | Working to help students

More than anything, this year’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate comes down to what we believe in and who you can count on.

We know why Arlen Specter’s running as a Democrat: He couldn’t win as a Republican.

I’m a Democrat because, unlike opponents Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) and former U.S. Rep. and Republican Pat Toomey, I don’t think opportunity and prosperity trickle down from the top in this country. I think they’re built up by hardworking people who need nothing more than the tools to succeed — education, health care and a fair shot.

That’s what I saw in the Navy. I was fortunate enough to study at the United States Naval Academy and Harvard University, but my real lessons came at sea. You really appreciate the value of education when you live on a floating nuclear reactor run by sailors with the average age of a college sophomore.

When I first commanded a ship, only one of my five Chief Petty Officers had a high-school degree. By the time I commanded a battle group, you couldn’t surpass that rank without an associate’s degree in a science or technology, because that’s what the job demands these days.

The same goes for today’s workforce. That’s why, in Congress, I’ve worked to increase Pell Grants and cut middleman lenders from the federal student loan process. I also introduced legislation that makes it easier for students to transfer credits because, especially in difficult economic times like these, students shouldn’t be penalized for having to take time off or change schools.

There’s no getting around the fact that students who graduate this year face one of the toughest job markets in a generation. Six workers are competing for every job out there.

Research has shown that those who enter the workforce in times of high unemployment have borne a long-term burden in less career advancement and diminished lifetime earnings. I’m committed to making sure that doesn’t happen to this generation.

A provision in health care reform we just passed that allows people to remain on their parent’s insurance until they’re 26 will help. That means you won’t be forced off your career path just to get health care. Similarly, insurance subsidies for small businesses means more start-ups will be able to offer health care and more young talent will be able to take a chance on the next Google.

Small businesses create more than 70 percent of new jobs, and virtually all job growth in America over the last 30 years came from companies that were less than 5 years old. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to provide a hiring tax credit to small businesses that has the potential to create 5 million jobs — recouping half the jobs lost in the recession.

This credit, and expanded Small Business Administration loans, will repair the economy, but it will also open a world of opportunity to young, ambitious entrepreneurs. Can’t find a job? Make one. That’s what I want to make possible for this generation.

However, to accomplish what we need to do as a nation, we first have to address the critical problem of trust in Washington — not between parties, but the lack of faith of the people in their public servants.

Democrats were swept into office on a pledge to change the way Washington works, but we got bogged down in the same old politics of horse-trading and back-room deals. We regained the momentum — and passed landmark health care reform — when we put our focus back on transparency, accountability and the right policies for the American people.

We didn’t win because of political calculation. We won because of conviction, audacity and a promise of change. That’s what Pennsylvania’s looking for in our next Senator.

Joe Sestak is a former 3-star Navy Admiral, current U.S. Rep. and a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania.