Since the House Education and the Workforce Committee passed its version of Perkins back on July 7, support has grown for that bill and the reauthorization process generally. Many industry groups, as well as educators, are interested in seeing a new Perkins signed into law.
In an Op-ed in The Hill, Mac MacCarthy, senior vice president for the Software & Information Industry Association, voices support for many areas of the bill, including programs of study, work-based learning, the new local needs assessment and business and industry connections. He also emphasizes the importance of funding the law adequately to meet business and industry needs:
These reforms are vital if we are to adequately prepare students for the realities of the workforce today and tomorrow. But at the same time, a serious policy for providing students with skills and employers with a pipeline of qualified employees must include serious funding levels. Despite the fact that our workforce challenges have gotten more complex – and will continue to do so – the legislation calls for a CTE funding level that is more than $5 million below FY2007. While it does increase funding over current levels, there can be no doubt that a greater commitment will be needed.
The American Farm Bureau Federation got in on the action as well, sending a letter encouraging the law’s swift passage. In a post on Morning Ag Clips, AFPF President Zippy Duvall emphasized “A skilled workforce is needed in rural America, just as it is in urban and suburban communities.”
As we at ACTE prepare for Congress to return later this fall and move forward on Perkins, we worked with our partners at Advance CTE to prepare a comprehensive summary of the House bill. Please take some time this summer to review the summary and let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
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