FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2018
Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
703-683-9312, jnagurka@acteonline.org
ACTE Statement on FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
Alexandria, VA — Today the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) released a statement in response to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 omnibus appropriations bill released by Congress. The bill increases the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) Basic State Grants by $75 million. This represents the first increase in Perkins funding in several years, and will provide significant new resources to career and technical education (CTE) programs across the country. The proposed funding increase would begin to restore the nearly $170 million in annual cuts that have been made to the program over the last decade. The following statement can be attributed to LeAnn Wilson, executive director of ACTE:
“Congress’ appropriations package is a solid first step to rebuilding the investment in CTE. The additional funds will help ensure more students have access to CTE programs that prepare them for college and career success. New resources will help provide essential elements of high-quality programs, like professional development for teachers, workforce-based learning opportunities for students and industry-aligned equipment for classrooms.
“Throughout the economy, from the infrastructure sector to diverse industry areas like information technology, STEM, manufacturing, and healthcare, there are existing and predicted shortages in skilled workers. High-quality CTE bridges the skills gap by helping students succeed in high school, postsecondary education and careers. Adequate federal funding is necessary to ensure all students have access to these programs.
“We applaud Members of Congress for beginning to restore the cuts that have plagued CTE programs over the last decade, and encourage them to continue growing investments in CTE in FY 2019 and beyond.”
###
About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
