The U.S. House of Representatives passed important PHCC-supported legislation Sept. 13 that increases funding for the Carl D. Perkins Act. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act reflects an increase of $15.6 million over fiscal year 2016 funding.  This action comes on the heels of PHCC's 2016 Legislative Conference and the PHCC/Educational Foundation/House Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus - Workforce Roundtable earlier this year. Each of these important events focused on continued visibility for career and technical education, and the great need to improve the program and increase funding.

"I am proud of the leadership PHCC and our members have taken in bringing the crucial importance of this legislation to lawmakers' attention to ensure Perkins is not only authorized, but expands its level of services," said PHCC National President Chip Greene. "We still have more work to do in Congress regarding career and technical education, but I am pleased with the House of Representative's vote today ... now on to the Senate.”

The Perkins Act is one of the only federal programs that builds the capacity of high schools, community colleges and tech centers to offer CTE programs that are academically rigorous and aligned to the needs of business and industry.  The bill that passed the House today makes several key improvements to Perkins programs that are supported by the CTE community, such as:

• reforming the current accountability system;
• aligning Perkins with other federal education and workforce training programs;
• simplifying the local planning process; and
• streamlining allowed uses of federal funds for state and local recipients.

"I'd like to join President Greene and thank the members of PHCC for participating in the legislative process to help push the Perkins Act to passage," said PHCC Educational Foundation President Roger Peugeot.