Joint Statement from ACTE, Advance CTE on Career and Technical Education in FY2025 House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Proposal
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Every learner across the nation must be empowered to explore and pursue their chosen career. Both of our organizations are dedicated to this goal, which requires robust investments not only in career and technical education (CTE) but the wider education and workforce development systems in which CTE programs operate. The recently introduced fiscal year 2025 (FY25) appropriations bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, set to be considered by the House Appropriations Committee tomorrow, unfortunately does not align with this vision for our nation’s future.
We appreciate and applaud the legislation’s proposed strengthened investment in CTE via the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act’s (Perkins V) formula state grant program. Our organizations are also especially supportive of the inclusion of report language that formally requests clarification and justification from the U.S. Department of Education regarding new regulations for Perkins V at this stage in the law’s lifecycle – a move we believe would be extremely counterproductive and would lead to fewer opportunities for learners across the country to access CTE programming.
Despite these encouraging aspects contained in this FY25 proposal, we remain concerned about the significant funding reductions proposed elsewhere which would limit, rather than expand, opportunities for learners to access and complete high-quality learning and training opportunities more broadly supported by this legislation.
These proposed federal spending cuts for major education and workforce development programs will likely cause significant disruptions in connecting learners, particularly our nation’s most vulnerable populations, to CTE programs and the broader postsecondary and career opportunities they provide. CTE programs are successful because they more closely connect and bridge K-12, postsecondary, and workforce development investments. These investments in the broader career preparation ecosystem support a robust and diverse workforce with in-demand skills, capable of adapting to the evolving needs of employers and the wider economy.
We urge lawmakers in the House to reconsider this funding proposal and, at minimum, maintain federal appropriations for the many education and workforce development programs that provide learners essential services and pathways into CTE. We look forward to the wider FY25 process to advocate for a strengthened investment in CTE via Perkins V’s state grant program while working to advance policies that enable more learners to access these opportunities and develop the skills necessary for success in the modern economy.
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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.
