Last week was a quiet week around Washington, as Congress took the first week of their two-week recess for Easter and Passover. Many lawmakers are attending events in their states and districts during this recess period, in addition to overseas congressional delegation (CODEL) trips as a part of the response to the invasion of Ukraine. Congress will remain in recess until April 25. Once they return, potential action items include additional COVID-19 spending and the innovation bill (America COMPETES/USICA). As we await Congress’s return to Washington, here are a few news and notes:
- Ask Your Representative to Support Robust Funding for Perkins in FY 2023: As the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 appropriations process gets under way, House CTE Caucus chairmen Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) are leading a “Dear Colleague” letter to be sent to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee requesting robust funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) in the FY 2023 Labor, Health, and Human Services appropriations bill. Read more about the letter here. The deadline for sign-ons is COB on Friday, April 22, 2022.
- Secretaries Walsh and Raimondo, Austrian Minister Schramböck Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs: Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Austrian Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs Dr. Margarete Schramböck signed a memorandum of understanding to expand registered apprenticeships among Austrian companies and Austrian-invested companies in the U.S. The MOU will promote the exchange of ideas and best practices for expanding apprenticeship programs in both countries. The U.S. currently has similar MOUs with Germany and Switzerland to establish new apprenticeship programs, increase awareness of opportunities and create career pathways. Read the full MOU here.
- Departments of Education, Labor Release Equity Action Plans: The Departments of Education and Labor have released their inaugural equity action plans to help advance racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government. The detailed action plan for the Department of Education can be found here. The detailed action plan for the Department of Labor can be found here. You can also read more on the Equity Action Plans on the CTE Policy Watch blog.
- HHS Announces Community Health Worker Training Program: On April 15, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, to help increase the number of community health workers. The Community Health Worker Training Program will provide $226.5 million for education and on-the-job training to prepare 13,000 new workers. More information on the grant and application materials can be found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336498, and applications are due June 14.
Comments