Why She Matters
Forte is no newcomer to politics or education issues. With experience acquired over the past decade, Forte is now the director of education policy for the House Education and Labor Committee. Forte’s legislative responsibilities include after-school programs, youth development, juvenile justice, child-nutrition programs and education research. Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition
Forte worked for Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.) for six years, including as legislative director, before joining the panel, which was chaired by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) in the 111th Congress. After working for eight years in the information-technology industry, Forte went on to work as a congressional fellow with the Women’s Research and Education Institute in Washington D.C. Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition.
Path To Power
Forte was born on December 18, 1964 in Heidelberg, West Germany. Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition She acquired a master’s in public policy from George Washington University. In 1986, she obtained her bachelor’s from Duke University.
In 1986, Forte’s started her career in the information and technology industry. She worked in the IT industry for eight years before leaving it in 1994 to become a congressional fellow at the Women’s Research and Education Institute.
Forte started building her reputation and love for youth issues when she served under Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) as a legislative director. In the 111th Congress, Forte served as director of education policy on the House Education and Labor Committee. She has held this position since 2006.
The Issues
Forte’s legislative priorities include after-school programs, child nutrition, juvenile criminal behavior, youth development and education research.
During the 110th Congress, Forte helped reauthorize the “GIVE Act,” which expanded service opportunities for seniors, college students and veterans with funding of $6 billion over five years. Press Release, House Education and Labor Committee, March 30, 2009 Press Release, House Education and Labor Committee, March 30, 2009
Forte will also play a central role in the the reauthorization of the standards-based No Child Left Behind Act, which is planned for the 112th Congress under the new Republican majority. This program targets maths and reading skills in both elementary and high schools.
The Network
Forte worked six years under Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (R-Va.). Her boss at the House Education and Labor Committee is Rep.George Miller (D-Calif.)