Virginia U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman introduced legislation Thursday to raise the quality of career and technical education programs across the country.

The Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

The new legislation offers credit-transfer agreement opportunities, professional development for teachers, principals, administrators and counselors, and career and technical education curriculum alignment with local, regional and state workforce demands.

“It is essential for the U.S. to invest in creating a world-class system of education across the spectrum to ensure we have the technically skilled and well-trained workforce we need,’’ Kaine, D-Va., said.

Numerous career and education groups supporting the bill include the Association for Career and Technical Education, the National Career Development Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Kaine previewed the legislation this past week when he visited the Valley Career and Technical Center in Fishersville for a tour and roundtable discussion.

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