U.S. Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) recently joined House members in a bipartisan group that seeks to reintroduce a bill that would align career-technical programs with the current needs of local employers.
The bill, called the Perkins Modernization Act, is meant to strengthen the economy by supporting CTE, vocational and career/technical education. To do this, the bill uses workforce data to determine whether the programs are aligning with the needs and requirements of employers hiring in local labor markets.
“If we’re going to have long-term economic growth and job creation, we must ensure that our workforce has the skills they need,” Kinzinger said. “This bipartisan bill will help ensure that skills being taught are actually in demand in the private sector, giving those looking for work a better chance of finding gainful employment. I want to thank Rep. Kennedy and all the cosponsors of this bill for working together on a solution that represents a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and will lead to more people getting jobs in Illinois and around the country.”
“As the needs of our economy continue to change so should our workforce training programs,” Davis said. “The Perkins Modernization Act will ensure colleges and universities in the 13th District have the data needed to develop career and technical education programs that give students the best opportunity to find a job upon graduation.”