Thompson bill to reauthorize, reform career and technical education programs clears House

The House of Representatives approved legislation on Tuesday that U.S. Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA) introduced to reauthorize and strengthen the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

The bill would reauthorize and reform the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to ensure that workers can develop the needed skills to compete in high-skill, in-demand jobs.

“This bill provides a clear path towards robust career and technical education training, in order to put America back to work and to empower young people with the skills to land in-demand jobs in high-wage industries,” Thompson said. “As I travel across Pennsylvania’s fifth congressional district, I am amazed that so many employers are looking for a highly trained workforce. Meanwhile, unemployment and under-employment plague our communities and leave families struggling to make ends meet. This bipartisan legislation represents real progress in closing our nation’s skills gap, while providing a path forward to those who are looking to better their own lives.”

Thompson’s bill would provide more flexibility for states to use federal resources to address changing educational and economic needs, and would ensure that career and technical education (CTE) programs prepare all students for high-skill, high-wage jobs.

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) said that the bill would support students in Michigan who want to learn the skills needed to secure well-paying jobs.

“Our region has great high school and community college programs that support skilled trades and this legislation will help them train students for the opportunities of the future,” Moolenaar said.

Under the bill, states would be allowed to set aside up to 15 percent of federal funding for students in rural areas.

“We can help ensure that students graduate skills-ready, prepared for our 21st century American work force,” U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) said. “This bill allows more flexibility of funding allocation, so that our local communities can develop relevant programs that close the skills gap.”

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