This week, Congress was quiet with focus on the general election. Results of the election will put Republicans in control of the Administration and the Senate. There are a number of districts still tallying votes for House races, so results in that Chamber have not been finalized. ACTE will share more information on the results of elections and their implications on CTE policy as we learn more. We will also be making extensive outreach to the transition team and to new Members of Congress to share CTE priorities and information, and will need your help to build these critical relationships. More info about how to get involved will be coming soon. In other news this week, the current Administration made several new announcements:
- New Partnership Between Agriculture and Education to Expand SNAP Access for College Students: The Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Education announced a joint agreement to strengthen college student access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Data shows that millions of eligible students are not receiving benefits, so they are trying to increase awareness of the program to help students access their benefits.
- Secretary Cardona Pens Op-ed on Investment in Rural Education: Secretary Cardona wrote an op-ed detailing the need for investment in rural education, specifically referencing the need for investments in community schools that offer certifications and direct pathways to employment.
- Department of Agriculture Ban on School Lunch Fees: The Department of Agriculture announced students eligible for free or reduced meals will not be charged for processing fees in 2027. This policy will go into effect for families with income under 185% of federal poverty guidelines.
- Department of Labor Awards Grants to Support Mine Safety, Health Training: The Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration has awarded more than $10.5 million in grants to organization to reduce mining accidents, injuries and illnesses by supporting programs such as safety and health courses.
- Department of Labor Announced Event on Reentry Apprenticeship Opportunities: The Department of Labor announced a webinar with information on apprenticeship opportunities for individuals reentering their communities post-incarceration. This will contain information on correctional facility-based Registered Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeship programs and seamless transition strategies.
- New Infrastructure Learning Community: The Department of Labor launched an Infrastructure Learning Community (ILC) to create a collaborative environment for federal grantees leading, supporting, scaling, or developing initiatives funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Tribal Consultation on Opportunities and Access to Registered Apprenticeship and for Competitive Grants: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) created a Tribal Consultation to discuss opportunities and access to registered apprenticeship programs for federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and ETA grants to Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations.