This was a busy week for CTE-related items! Much of the focus in Washington this week was on the release of the president’s budget for fiscal year 2024, what it means for CTE and subsequent responses to the budget proposal by Members of Congress. The Biden Administration will release more budget-related information next week and begin testifying before Congress soon about their requests. Additional items of focus included the debt limit and responding to domestic issues. ACTE’s Public Policy team also presented this week to congressional staff on “CTE 101,” covering the basics of CTE, Perkins funding and more. We are also in full swing preparing for the 2023 National Policy Seminar (NPS)! In the meantime, here are some news items:
- Biden Administration Releases FY24 Budget Request: On March 9, the Biden-Harris Administration released its budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which will serve as an initial starting point for congressional negotiations around federal funding. The budget proposes a $43 million increase to the Perkins Basic State Grant, representing a 3% increase over the current FY 2023 funding level. Learn more about the budget here and read ACTE’s statement on the budget here.
- CTE Earmarks in FY23; Earmark Requests for FY24: ACTE has analyzed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 omnibus appropriations bill signed into law in December 2022 and identified more than 260 projects in which funding was awarded to education institutions for initiatives related to CTE and career development, equaling over $290 million. Read the complete analysis here.
- Secretary of Labor Walsh Launches Summit to Expand Access to High-Quality Careers: On March 9, Secretary of Labor convened a summit of public and private stakeholders in government, business, labor, non-profits, trade groups and more than 150 employment experts and young people to discuss how they can organize to deliver upon the Youth Employment Works strategy’s goals. Read more about the summit here.
- Department of Education Announces Finalists in Future Finder Challenge: The Department of Education has announced five finalists in the Future Finder Challenge, a $1 million challenge to reimagine career navigation for adult learners. Read more about the Future Finder Challenge here.
- Complete Slate of House-Senate Committee and Subcommittee Chairs Named: Following a series of announcements, Congress has officially confirmed the assignments for committee leaders and members across education and appropriations committees. Now that these rosters are complete, you can utilize this blog post as a resource to help you make outreach to the Members of Congress who will have the most direct impact on CTE-related funding and policies during the 118th Congress! Read the blog here.
- Bobby Scott Introduces Bill to Expand Pell Grant Eligibility: On March 10, Rep. Bobby Scott introduced the Jobs to Compete Act, which expands Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality, short-term training programs. This is the third significant bill focused on short-term Pell this Congress, proving that it is likely to be a hot topic this year! Read more about the bill here.
- Bobby Scott Reintroduces LOAN Act: Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) reintroduced the Lowering Obstacles to Achievement Now (LOAN) Act. The LOAN Act would lower the cost of college for current and future student borrowers and their families. Read more about the bill at the link above.
- Rob Wittman, Abigail Spanberger Reintroduce Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act: On March 9, Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) reintroduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would permit the use of 529 account funds to pay for postsecondary credential program expenses. Read more about the bill here.
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