Last week in Washington, the House was out of session, but Members of Congress were largely focused on abortion rights after the surprise leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion. In CTE-related news, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) led the reintroduction of the RAISE Act, a bill to boost teacher pay and support recruitment and retention efforts for the educator workforce. In addition, the Senate completed 28 votes, known as “motions to instruct,” for conferees to begin bicameral negotiations on the America COMPETES Act/USICA. We are also awaiting the announcement of the first public meeting of the conference committee. Both chambers of Congress will return this week, where negotiations continue on COVID-19-related aid and a Ukraine supplemental aid package. Here are some news and notes for your week ahead:
- Sen. Booker, Rep. Schiff Introduce Teacher Compensation Bill: On May 3, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation that would boost compensation for all public early childhood and K-12 (including CTE) teachers. This bill, titled the RAISE Act, would provide every eligible teacher with an annual refundable tax credit between $1,000 and $15,000. Read more about the bill here.
- Senate HELP Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Supporting Broadband Workforce: On May 3, the Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing on supporting and developing the broadband workforce. Members of the subcommittee heard from broadband experts and stakeholders about the need to improve broadband access across the country. Read more about the hearing here.
- Cabinet Officials, Members of Congress Visit Workforce Development Programs: On May 2, Members of Congress and Cabinet officials visited workforce development programs in Virginia to highlight the importance of investing in in-demand career training programs. Read more about their visits here.
- Secretary Walsh Visits Ohio Community College, Announces Workforce Development Funding: Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh visited Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio, where Boeing Co. announced more than $1 million in funding to help prepare a skilled manufacturing workforce. Read more about the Secretary’s visit here.
- Secretary of Education Cardona Supports Short-term Pell: During a visit to DC Central Kitchen with formerly incarcerated individuals, Secretary Cardona said, “I’m excited about short-term Pell.” Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), a Senate CTE Caucus co-chair and the lead on the JOBS Act echoed the Secretary's comments: “[I am] grateful for Secretary Cardona’s support,” and “look forward to partnering with Secretary Cardona to move it across the finish line.”
- Department of Education Announces Intent to Amend Regulations Implementing Section 504: The Department of Education announced plans to gather public input on potential amendments to Section 504 regulations to strengthen and protect the rights of students with disabilities. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public and private programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including schools and postsecondary institutions. Learn more about the initiative here.
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