Washington, D.C. -  Renewal of the Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act will help ensure continued technical training and ongoing educational support for community college students, U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson said today.

     Rep. Johnson was supportive of the bill that passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support earlier this week.

     "This legislation is vital in providing opportunities to young people," Rep. Johnson said. "It also ensures a level of accountability that we haven't had before while allowing local flexibility in determining the best use of these funds."

     "The value of this legislation in the futures of these affected students cannot be underestimated, particularly in this district," added Rep. Johnson.

     The 15th Congressional District is one of the most higher-education intensive district in the country, with three major public universities and five community colleges.

     The legislation renews and reauthorizes the Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act through 2011. It passed the House by a vote of 416-9. The President's FY06 budget proposed elimination of the program.

     The bill provides grants for secondary and post-secondary vocational education and ensures that academic courses for vocational and technical students are rigorous and challenging.

     The House bill merges Perkins funding with the Tech-Prep Program, which provides specialized math and science courses to ease the transition of high school students into a vocational college program in areas such as engineering, health and technology.

     The House also passed amendments allowing local funds to be used for training in alternative automotive fuel technologies, such as hybrid and hydrogen cars. Another amendment allows states to use funds to help vocational education students obtain baccalaureate degrees.

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