With the end of the fiscal year quickly approaching, yesterday, the House of Representatives voted on a continuing resolution (CR) that would have extended current federal funding for an additional six months. Lawmakers rejected the measure in a 202-220 vote. Members of Congress objected to the measure for a number of reasons, including the length, funding levels and unrelated additions. Many Members of Congress prefer a shorter CR to create pressure to complete full-year appropriations bills in a timelier manner.
Government funding runs out on September 30 and lawmakers will need to act quickly on an alternative to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate is expected to introduce its own measure soon to fund the government that will likely keep the government funded until December.
In the meantime, lawmakers in both chambers are still negotiating a final appropriations package. In June, the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies subcommittee released its funding bill that provided a $10 million increase to the Perkins State Grant. However, the bill does cut agencies within its jurisdiction by 11%. Specifically, it cuts programs like Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I grants by 25% and Federal Work Study programs by 50%.
The Senate also released its FY 25 funding bill in August. This bill provides $80 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education, representing a little more than a 1% increase for the department. The bill also provides a $35 million increase for the Perkins State Grant, a $280 million increase for ESSA Title I grants and a $100 million increase for the Office of Federal Student Aid.
As this process unfolds, ACTE will continue to advocate for the highest possible funding level for CTE and an overall robust investment in the education and workforce development continuums, and will provide regular updates. If you have any questions, please contact ACTE’s Government Relations Manager, Jimmy Koch ([email protected]).
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