On Capitol Hill, Congress continued to work on the budget reconciliation package, with most of the activity in the House. At the same time, work is beginning in Congress on the FY 2026 appropriations bills. Don't forget to contact your senator and urge them to support Perkins increases in Fiscal year (FY) 2026! Congruently, the Senate plans to consider several of the Trump Administration’s nominees for the Departments of Education and Labor next week, including the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE). Keep reading for details.
- Perkins Allocations for FY 2025 Released: ED announced its allocations for Perkins in FY 2025. Part of these funds are available starting July 1, with the remainder distributed on October 1. For more information on the specific allocations in each state, see the linked letter.
- House Members Sign Letter Requesting Increased Funding for Perkins in FY 2026: Members joined House CTE Caucus co-chairs Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) in signing a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education. The letter requested increased funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Thanks to CTE advocates, 78 representatives signed the letter!
- Senate Votes for Repeal of E-rate Wi-Fi Hotspots: The Federal Communications Commission had previously enacted an expanded rule allowing schools and libraries to use E-rate resources to loan out Wi-Fi hot spots, providing more accessible internet for students and patrons who lack at-home access. This week, the Senate voted for a resolution of disapproval for this program under the Congressional Review Act. ACTE has supported E-rate expansion and signed a letter encouraging the House to maintain the current rule and flexibility.
- Senate HELP Committee to Hold Hearing on State of Higher Education: Next Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is holding a hearing, “State of Higher Education.” ACTE will share any relevant information that emerges!
- Department of Labor (DOL) Cancels Teacher Apprenticeship Program: The DOL canceled a five-year contract for the Educator Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary. This contact was designed to guide apprenticeship providers through the necessary processes to launch new programs.
- Secretary of Labor Testifies on Administration’s FY 2026 Budget Request: On May 15, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer testified before the House Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. She discussed the significant proposed cuts to the DOL budget and the proposed consolidation of programs into a block grant. You can view the recording here.
- CTE Grants for Native American and Hawaiian Students Retracted: ED cancelled two grant competitions for FY 2025 that are intended to expand CTE opportunities for Native American and Native Hawaiian students. It is unclear when these grants (which are required to be offered under Perkins) will be reposted.
- Lawmakers Participate in Forum on Cuts to ED: Members of Congress participated in a forum, “Abandoning America’s Promise: The Real Cost of Dismantling the Department of Education,” hosted by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
- Judge Reverses ED's Rule on COVID Relief: In March, ED published a letter announcing that the due date for schools to spend remaining pandemic relief funds had moved up. A federal judge ruled that ED cannot implement their intended cancellation of COVID-19 relief spending or modify the spending timeline without at least 14 days’ notice. A new deadline has been set, although legal action is still pending related to the issue
- Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Celebrates National Skilled Trades Day: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer continued her America at Work Tour, stopping in Denver to tour an apprentice training facility. She participated in a discussion on expanding youth apprenticeships, as well as President Trump’s Executive Order, “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future.” She also stopped at Pima Community College to discuss workforce development with Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).