CTE Policy Watch: A blog for CTE advocates

Sec Cardona Testifies Before Committee on Education and the Workforce

Earlier this week, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in a hearing, “Examining the Education Department’s Policies, Priorities, and FY 2023 Financial Audit Failure.” The hearing primarily discussed recent challenges that students, families and postsecondary institutions have encountered with the Department of Education’s new Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and issues of free speech and civil liberties as protests persist on college campuses across the country.  

Cardona spent a good portion of the hearing fielding questions regarding the latest updates and struggles with FAFSA processing. He assured lawmakers that the system is improving and that more applications have been filed of late, arguing that the new application will yield a more inclusive and productive process in the future, but lawmakers remain skeptical. Many lawmakers also pressed Cardona on efforts to help curb antisemitism and islamophobia on college campuses in the wake of many large-scale demonstrations taking place across the nation.  

In addition to these broader issues, House CTE Caucus co-chair, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, and several other Members raised questions related to CTE.  

Rep. Courtney initially voiced interest in CTE, referencing 8.5 million job openings. They discussed the skills gap, and Cardona voiced his support for CTE, having graduated from a technical high school himself.  

Rep. Thompson later discussed many of the benefits of CTE with Cardona, noting the high rates of secondary graduation and postsecondary completion and placement rates. He also discussed how CTE programs align with local labor markets, specifically referencing the health care sector, in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Rep. Thompson questioned Cardona on proposed potential regulations related to Perkins, and why regulations would be necessary after the last six years of successful implementation. Cardona did not provide details in his response but expressed an interest in shared goals and further collaboration with Congress to expand access to CTE programs.  

Rep. Bonamici, House CTE Caucus co-chair, also expressed her support for CTE, thanking Cardona for his support and interest in the cause. 

The hearing can be accessed here. 

ACTE's "CTE Leaders in Action" Reception

On March 19, as part of our annual National Policy Seminar (NPS), ACTE  held a reception on Capitol Hill titled “CTE Leaders in Action.” The event provided NPS attendees and guests the opportunity to engage with and learn about eight Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and hear from Members of Congress on their involvement with the CTE Caucus, as well as the legislation they are working on to help strengthen and support CTE.  

This event followed a day of advocacy for attendees, which began with a panel featuring congressional staff from the House and Senate who work with CTE issues regularly. After the panel, attendees met with their Members of Congress and staff to discuss CTE policy issues impacting them. Advocates shared their stories on what CTE means to them, and the challenges they face working in the field at both the secondary and postsecondary levels.  

The reception featured eight CTSOs, including Business Professionals of America (BPA), DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), National FFA Organization, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, SkillsUSA and Technology Student Association (TSA). Students from each CTSO showcased a bit of their work and were able to network and mingle with ACTE staff, NPS attendees, staff from the Department of Education, congressional staff and Members of Congress.  

Student representatives from each CTSO introduced themselves and their organizations to the group, and welcomed special guests including Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Adult Education (OCTAE) Amy Lloyd, Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Glenn “GT” Thompson, who serve as co-chairs of the House CTE Caucus, and Senators Tim Kaine, co-chair of the Senate CTE Caucus, and Amy Klobuchar, member of the Senate CTE Caucus. The speakers shared some of their incredible work on CTE policy, including but not limited to the House Resolution introduced by Representatives Thompson and Bonamici to recognize February as CTE Month. They also shared their personal stories with CTE, highlighting the positive impact such programming has had on their families and their careers.  

 

House Education and the Workforce Committee Holds Hearing on CTE in K-12 Education

This morning, the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing entitled “Preparing Students for Success in the Skills-Based Economy.” The witnesses included Danny Corwin, the Executive Director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools; Kelly Mosley, Career and Technical Education Supervisor for Clay County District Schools; Richard Kincaid, Senior Executive Director of College and Career Pathways at the Maryland Department of Education; and Brandon Mabile, Strategic Development Manager at Performance Contractors, Inc. 

The hearing covered a range of topics related to the benefits of CTE in K-12 education, and the resources required to implement the various CTE programs discussed. Overall, this is a strong bipartisan issue that garners support from leaders on both sides of the aisle, specifically the CTE Caucus Chairs, Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) and Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15).  

 Chairman Aaron Bean (FL-4) opened the hearing, arguing the value of CTE and noting the baselessness in the stigma surrounding a more diverse set of career pathways, as well as the skills gap born from this stigma. Bean shared that, “If we plan on closing the skills gap, collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners will be key.”  

In their opening statements, the witnesses pressed upon the need for funding and the importance of CTE programs. Several witnesses shared that one of the most significant hurdles to overcome in the expansion and development of CTE programs and resources is the national shortage of CTE teachers. They addressed other obstacles facing the widespread access to this pathway as well, including a college-for-all mentality and shortage in resources for CTE and career-oriented learning. They shared practical solutions to these issues, including the integration of skilled trades into "traditional” academic coursework and expanding opportunities for younger students to allow them to explore opportunities each high school has to offer. The witnesses concluded with a unified request: more funding for CTE programs, and an expansion of CTE resources across the country. 

Most notably, Ranking Member Bonamici raised the issue of Perkins V funding, noting the decline in Perkins funding over the last four decades and questioning Richard Kincaid on how additional Perkins funding could be applied. Kincaid explained that, “Using Perkins as a lever to reinvest additional funding into these programs would be a game changer for places, like Maryland, that rely not only on federal funds to move this agenda forward, but also to ensure that we are well aligned with business and industry.” This notion of funding was referenced many times throughout the hearing, with several witnesses agreeing that financial obstacles are the most difficult to overcome in CTE. Kelly Mosely also emphasized that many incredible CTE programs are made possible by Perkins funding, but that to improve those programs and create new ones, additional funding is necessary. 

Ranking Member Bonamici redirected the conversation back to Perkins once again in her closing statement noting that, “That Perkins funding really makes a difference because we have a lot of schools and districts across the country. And with the value of this investment, I hope that is something we can accomplish, to update that funding.”  

Introducing Senator Ted Budd, New Co-Chair of Senate CTE Caucus

On April 21, ACTE and Advance CTE announced that Sen. Ted Budd will become the new co-chair of the bipartisan Senate CTE Caucus! He will be taking the place of former Sen. Rob Portman, who retired at the end of last Congress. He had helped to lead the Senate CTE Caucus for 11 years.

Sen. Budd represents North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. First elected to the Senate in November 2022, he previously represented North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District from 2017-2023. He is a member of the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee, and a strong supporter of workforce development and expanding access to CTE programs in Congress.

The Senator also currently serves as a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Senate Committee on Armed Services. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University, Dallas Theological Seminary and Wake Forest University.

ACTE looks forward to a strong relationship with Sen. Budd and his staff as we work together to provide more opportunities in CTE for learners across the country. Read our press release announcing Sen. Budd as the new co-chair here.

ACTION ALERT - Ask Your Representative: Cosponsor the 2023 House CTE Month Resolution!

The co-chairs of the House CTE Caucus, Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) are leading the House’s annual CTE Month resolution marking February as CTE Month. These House members are currently circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter asking their colleagues to cosponsor the resolution, which is set to be introduced on February 8. 

CLICK HERE to ask your representative to cosponsor this year’s CTE Month resolution. 

The resolution raises awareness about the many benefits associated with high-quality CTE programs. By requesting support for the resolution, you are continuing to elevate the benefits of CTE to policymakers at a critical time for CTE advocacy. Please contact your House representative today! If you have a direct contact in your Member of Congress’s office, we urge you to call or email them directly. The deadline for original House cosponsors to sign on is February 8, 2023, but cosponsors may join at any time throughout February – the House attempts to pass the resolution at the end of February through unanimous consent.

ACTION ALERT: Ask Your Senators: Cosponsor the 2023 Senate CTE Month Resolution!

The co-chairs of the Senate CTE Caucus, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), are once again leading the Senate’s annual CTE Month resolution marking February as CTE Month. These senators are currently circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter asking their colleagues to cosponsor the resolution.

CLICK HERE to ask your senators to cosponsor this year’s CTE Month resolution. 

The resolution raises awareness about the many benefits associated with high-quality CTE programs. By requesting support for the resolution, you are continuing to elevate the benefits of CTE to policymakers at a critical time for CTE advocacy. Please contact your senators today! If you have a direct contact in your senator’s office, we urge you to call or email them directly. The deadline for Senate cosponsors to sign on is Thursday, February 9, 2023.

Note: More details about a House CTE Month Resolution will be available soon – this resolution is just for senators!

Reflecting on the Accomplishments of Senator Portman and Representative Langevin

When the 117th Congress comes to a close, Congressional CTE Caucus co-chairs Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) will depart from their offices one final time to begin their well-earned retirement. The two public servants have dedicated large parts of their career to advancing the needs of CTE learners, educators and systems, earning them each an ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award this year. 

Sen. Portman, alongside his colleague Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), co-founded the Senate CTE Caucus in 2014. As caucus co-chair, he led several bipartisan efforts to expand opportunities in CTE and address the growing national skills gap. Most notably, Sen. Portman has been a leading co-sponsor of the JOBS Act – legislation that would allow the Pell grant to be used for high-quality short-term workforce training programs – since 2015. Since that time, the bill has grown from 2 co-sponsors to 52, making it one of the most widely supported bipartisan education bills. The Senator also successfully included the Educating Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2017 into the reauthorization of Perkins V. His efforts on these issues, as well as his support of apprenticeships and CTE prison re-entry programs, have made a lasting impact for educators, learners, and the economy.  

Rep. Langevin spent 11 years as the co-chair of the House CTE Caucus alongside his colleague, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA). During his tenure, he became well known as an advocate for CTE funding, career counseling and cybersecurity careers. Langevin co-led the annual bipartisan letter to the House Committee on Appropriations requesting robust funding for the Perkins Basic State grant. Further, he was an original co-sponsor of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, commonly known as Perkins V, which modernized CTE systems. Most recently, he re-introduced bipartisan legislation that would invest funds in CTE to develop the cybersecurity workforce. Rep. Langevin’s contributions will last long beyond his time in Congress.  

ACTE warmly thanks both Rep. Langevin and Sen. Portman for their dedication to CTE and congratulates them on their fantastic careers. Their leadership will be sorely missed, but we will work to ensure that their legacies continue in the 118th Congress. 

Introducing Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, New Co-Chair of House CTE Caucus

On December 16, Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) announced that Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) will become the new co-chair of the bipartisan House CTE Caucus! She will be taking the place of Rep. Langevin, who is retiring after 22 years in Congress, 11 of which he spent leading the caucus.  

Rep. Bonamici serves Oregon’s 1st congressional district, which includes parts of Portland, Portland’s western suburbs, and rural communities stretching to Oregon’s Pacific Coast. Bonamici has been a stalwart of the House Committee on Education & Labor during her career. Since she entered Congress in 2012, she has served as the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, a member of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investments, and led bipartisan negotiations of the Every

 Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Congresswoman also currently serves as a senior member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and is the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional STEAM Caucus, which promotes the integration of arts and design with STEM.  

Before earning her bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Oregon, Rep. Bonamici began her postsecondary education at Lane Community College in Eugene, OR. She has focused her work in Congress on making postsecondary education more affordable, providing workers with in-demand skills, and promoting equity in education funding.  

ACTE looks forward to deepening its relationship with Rep. Bonamici and her staff as we work together to provide more opportunities in CTE for learners across the country. Please join us in congratulating her on becoming the new co-chair of the bipartisan House CTE Caucus by clicking here to sign a card! 

Senate CTE Caucus Holds Briefing on Women in Apprenticeship

On November 15, the Senate CTE Caucus, alongside the Swiss and Austrian Embassies, held a Capitol Hill briefing on Women in Apprenticeship to highlight both National Apprenticeship Week and the Austrian and Swiss apprenticeship models.

Welcoming remarks were made by Ambassador of Switzerland Jacques Pitteloud and the Austrian Chargé d'Affairs Günther Salzmann. Both expressed a desire to broaden the influence of the Swiss and Austrian apprenticeship models in the United States.

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) offered additional remarks, highlighting the connection between CTE and apprenticeships. He discussed how recent federal investments will ensure that CTE is at the forefront of preparing apprentices and all learners for good-paying, in-demand jobs. Sen. Hickenlooper also declared that he had officially joined the CTE Caucus!

A panel discussion followed and was moderated by Thomas Mayr of Austria’s Vocational Education and Training department. Apprentices and representatives from four Swiss and Austrian companies, Zurich Insurance of Illinois, Swiss Krono of South Carolina, Egger Wood Products of North Carolina and Engel Machinery of Pennsylvania, each spoke about the recruitment challenges, opportunities, supports needed and benefits of their apprenticeship programs. Each apprentice expressed that if given the chance to pursue an apprenticeship again, they would make the same decision.

Election Watch 2022: What Will the 118th Congress Look Like?

On November 8, voters will take to the polls to determine the new look of the next Congress by casting their votes for 34 Senate and all 435 House seats. Currently, Democrats hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate, making this election highly consequential in terms of the potential for swings of party control in each chamber. Retirements will also play a large factor in the future composition of the next Congress – 32 House members (20 Democrats and 12 Republicans) and 6 Senators (5 Republicans and 1 Democrat) are not running for reelection this year. 

These retirements will not only influence the balance of power, but they also will cause a significant shift in representation on the education and appropriations committees that directly impact CTE. For example, Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), is retiring. He is likely to be replaced by either Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) or Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA). The spot for top Democrat on the HELP committee is also up for grabs, as Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the current HELP Committee chair is slated to replace retiring Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) as chair or ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, depending on the party that controls the Senate. It is expected that Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) will then take Sen. Murray’s place leading the HELP Committee Democrats.  

In addition to new Democratic leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Republican leadership on the committee will also experience changes due to retirements. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), the top Republican on the full committee, and Sen. Roy Blunt, the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, are both retiring. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is next in line to replace Sen. Shelby based on seniority, while Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is the most senior Republican in line to replace Sen. Blunt. That said, all committee assignments and leadership positions are subject to a variety of factors and are not always based on seniority.  

The bipartisan congressional CTE Caucuses will also suffer losses due to retirements from longtime CTE advocates Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI). ACTE is grateful for their valuable contributions to the CTE community and wishes them all the best in their future endeavors. Moving forward, each caucus will soon choose replacements to serve as co-chairs. We will keep you updated with more information as it becomes available. Overall, the House CTE Caucus will lose 11 members due to retirement, making it critical for ACTE members to recruit their newly elected Members of Congress to join. 

Starting next week, ACTE’s Election Watch 2022 will preview federal policy issues critical to the community that may be impacted by this year’s midterm elections. If you have any questions, please reach out to ACTE’s Government Relations Manager, Zach Curtis ([email protected]).