It sends a powerful message when the President-elect, on the day before his Inauguration, volunteers in a homeless shelter.

It’s a photo op, but in this case, a substantive program encouraging public service – both full-time and volunteer, is sure to follow.

Of all the issues I’ve worked on over the years, the laws I’ve passed that mean the most to me are those that enable people to take public service or non-profit jobs. They reduce the academic debt of students who choose to work for the government or a non-profit – during the summer or after graduation.

My next piece of legislation will be modeled upon what President Obama proposes over the next 100 days.