Federal Spotlight: Congress readies action on career and technical education bill

May 18, 2017

Congressmen Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) have introduced the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The first legislative procedure for the bill took place this week. The bill seeks to reauthorize and amend the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.  The Perkins Act provides federal support to state and local career and technical education (CTE) programs.  

The purpose of the legislation is to improve and strengthen the country’s education and workforce development skills for workers in the 21st century. The bill empowers state and local community leaders, improves alignment with in-demand jobs, increases transparency and accountability and ensures a limited federal role. You can read a summary of the bill here. ABI has been a supporter of CTE efforts in the state and at the federal level for many years. ABI along with many other organizations have signed on a letter in support of this legislation. Click here to read that letter. It is currently in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.