Langevin Applauds Passage of Major Career and Technical Education Legislation
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act reauthorizes Perkins Act funding at the Department of Education
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, issued the following statement after the House agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which now goes to the President for his signature:
“The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which funds important CTE programs in Rhode Island and across the country, has long been overdue for an update. After years of work, I’m proud that this bill reflects an inclusive, thoughtful and bipartisan process. I am particularly thankful to my CTE Caucus co-chair, Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, who has been a great leader and partner on CTE issues in Congress.
“The Strengthening CTE for the 21st Century Act will help close the workforce skills gap in in fields such as manufacturing, IT, and other trades. This bill strengthens federal investment in CTE programs and realigns programs with industry needs to ensure students are learning the academic, employability, and technical skills they need to succeed in high-paying, high-growth economic sectors.
“As an original cosponsor of H.R. 2353, I’m pleased that the final bill incorporates several of my policy priorities, including expanding access to apprenticeships to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, and supporting career counselors to guide students down appropriate academic and career paths. Furthermore, by encouraging industry-education collaboration and realigning performance metrics with local labor market needs, the Strengthening CTE for the 21st Century Act advances my goal of preparing students for in-demand careers in Rhode Island and across the nation.”