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Career Technical Ed Bill Will Help Close Skills Gap

Business Leaders Welcome House Committee Passage of Perkins Reauthorization Measure

Washington — Business Roundtable today welcomed bipartisan Committee passage of a bill to reauthorize career and technical education (CTE) programs that demonstrably improve student outcomes after high school. The House Education and the Workforce Committee unanimously approved H.R. 5587, The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, an update of the Perkins Act, earlier today by a 37-0 vote.

“When it comes to preparing high school graduates for what’s next, we should embrace what works, and for business leaders, career technical education works,” said John Engler, President of Business Roundtable.

“We thank members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee for working across the aisle to make sure CTE programs continue to improve student outcomes, and we encourage both the House and Senate to complete reauthorization without delay.”

Business Roundtable has been actively engaged with lawmakers to ensure CTE programs are updated in a way that works for all stakeholders in the system, from students to the business community. Business Roundtable, along with the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, identified principles to guide Perkins Act reauthorization. The Committee-approved bill reflects these principles:

  • CTE must be relevant and meaningful for students.
  • Recipients of Perkins funding must be accountable for results.
  • The business community must be actively engaged in helping to inform and support CTE at the state, regional and local levels.
  • The Perkins Act must provide for state/local innovation and reward excellence.
  • To read the Perkins Act CTE principles, click here.  

Earlier this year, Business Roundtable released a plan for stronger economic growth and job creation. For more information on the plan to create greater momentum for America, visit BRT.org/growth.

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