Let’s be honest: the chances that you will cast the decisive vote in a presidential election is pretty slim. The probability varies based on the competitiveness of the state in which you vote – an average D.C. voter’s chances are 1 in 490 billion, while a Virginian’s are 1 in 7.9 million – but it’s safe to say that your vote probably won’t decide the outcome. That’s beside the point, however, because in this country we have the opportunity to participate in the civic process more often than just every Election Day. But to establish the credibility necessary to effectively lobby policymakers throughout the year, you should vote.
Imagine if a restaurant patron complained to a chef without tasting the food, if a basketball coach complained to a referee without seeing the play or if a student complained about homework without reading the assignment. Instantly, that diner, coach or student’s credibility would evaporate. The same rings true for a non-voter wishing to influence their policymakers. That’s why it’s important to have established your credibility as an advocate by also weighing in when you have the chance to do so at the polling booth.
The next Congress is likely to tackle some big issues, like reauthorizing the Perkins Act, the Higher Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, among others. On each of these issues, our advocacy efforts rely on our members all across the country lobbying their own representatives to ensure that CTE interests are considered. But to ensure our voices are heard when our issues are debated, we also need to have our voices heard on Election Day. So don’t forget to vote on November 8th, or earlier!
ACTE is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any candidate for public office.
This is great news that Senator Tim Kaine is continuing his role as co-chair of the Senate CTE Caucus. It is important that we have the house and senate's support in Career and Technical Education. Kaine made an impact on the Every Student Succeeds Act, with respect to CTE. He introduced an amendment that would designate CTE as a "core subject."
Trumps current vision on education, as noted on donaldtrump.com is to "ensure that the opportunity to attend a two or four-year college, or to pursue a trade or a skill set through vocational and technical education, will be easier to access, pay for, and finish." This provides for an equality of opportunity.
Trump also proposed a $20 billion federal plan to dramatically expand school choice for low-income students. His plan would allow students to use federal funds to help them attend private, charter, magnet, and traditional public schools of their choice. Will this promote quality education?
Our biggest hope, in regards to support from President Trump, is that he builds a relationship with Congress to form strong education policies. Congress has been actively pushing legislation through, particularly with laws related to CTE. Recently, the House of Representatives approved reauthorizations of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. “The Education and The Workforce Committee,” also talks about the recent K-12 education reform that was introduced, “the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.” This will help young Americans enter the workforce with the needed skills and knowledge. With this and other recent positive attention to CTE, we can only hope that the trump administration jumps on board to further push CTE in the right direction.
Posted by: Tara Shadduck | 11/15/2016 at 07:13 PM