Reps. Thompson and Langevin Applaud Increased Funding for Career and Technical Education

Congressmen Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chairmen of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, announced their support today for the $1.125 billion CTE allocation contained in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 omnibus appropriations bill. Thompson and Langevin have led the charge for robust funding for career and technical education, submitting a letter last year that urged their colleagues to maintain funding levels for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

“While I am pleased the House has increased funding for career and technical education by $52 million, we must remain vigilant in our support for adequate federal resources in order to tackle critical workforce shortages, so our country can remain economically competitive,” said Thompson. “Today’s legislation is movement in the right direction and recognizes the importance of maintaining these investments for current students and the countless Americans seeking to improve their economic futures.”

“Every student, whether bound for four-year colleges, two-year degrees or professional certifications, deserves our support,” said Langevin, who also introduced the Counseling for Career Choice Act to help school districts provide comprehensive counseling to students so they are aware of all of the available pathways to a career. “Offering robust career and technical education programs enhances overall curriculum and gives every student more options for a bright, successful future.”

The FY 2014 increase of $52 million represents the first increase for CTE programming since FY 2008.

“This year’s increase is a victory, but we must remain steadfast in our support for career and technical education,” Langevin continued. “These funds are used to empower young people and prepare them for well-paid jobs, and the investment is returned to our economy many times over through a skilled workforce.”