This morning, the Trump Administration released an outline of its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget request. This request would reduce non-defense discretionary programs across the federal government by $163 billion, or 22.6%. Because this outline does not include full details or program funding suggestions for every program, it is known as a “skinny budget,” with more details expected later in the month. As a reminder, the Administration’s budget request is not binding, as Congress has responsibility for writing and passing appropriations bills.
For the Department of Education (ED), this budget request includes a $12 billion (15.3%) cut. It is not clear what the request’s implications for Perkins funding would be, as CTE is not specifically mentioned. However, two significant block grants are included in the ED budget, one for 18 formula and competitive grants for K-12 education (which could implicate programs supporting CTE) and another for students with disabilities. In addition, the request proposes the complete elimination of funding for Adult Education programs.
Other programs that face funding cuts include grants for teacher preparation and professional development, TRIO and Gear UP, federal work study, English Language Acquisition, grants for preschool development, programs within the National Science Foundation, postsecondary institutional grants, and many others. Funds for program administration and staffing at ED are also reduced. The budget does suggest an increase for charter schools, noting the Administration’s interest in school choice policy.
The Department of Labor (DOL) is also facing budget cuts of nearly 35 percent of current funding levels. This would include the elimination of Job Corps, a free career training and education program for low-income young adults. The DOL budget also calls for the creation of a block grant they reference as “Make America Skilled Again” (MASA), which would consolidate a number of existing workforce development programs. This grant program represents at least a 25% reduction in these programs, and redirects some authority to states and localities to spend federal workforce dollars.
ACTE will share more information as more details emerge about the Administration’s proposals and the appropriations process progresses.
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