Representatives Pappas, Trahan, Horn, and Finkenauer Introduce Critical Job Training Legislation

Washington D.C. – Today, Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside Lori Trahan (MA-03), Kendra Horn (OK-05), and Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) introduced The Strengthen CTE in Higher Education Act. This legislation authorizes $200 million in funding to foster greater cooperation and alignment between Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and educational institutions and employers. These additional funds will ensure hardworking Granite Staters seeking a technical education are gaining the skills they need to meet the needs of employers across the state.

"I have met with manufacturers and small business owners across New Hampshire who are hiring, but can't find the right candidates for the job," said Congressman Pappas. "This legislation will help close that skills gap by bringing together businesses and educators in a way that meets local needs and expands opportunities for Granite Staters. I will continue to champion initiatives that connect hard working individuals across our state with the career and technical education they need to succeed."

"Increased access to relevant job training is critical for New Hampshire workers, businesses, and communities across NH in the 21st century economy. The Community College System of New Hampshire helps prepare thousands of Granite Staters to pursue high skilled, good paying jobs through associate degree programs, certificate programs and specialized trainings," said Dr. Ross Gittell, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire. "We thank Congressman Pappas for introducing legislation that will authorize more than $200 million in funding to better align career pathways and further connect our educational programs with workforce partners to ensure every Granite Stater has the job training they need to succeed."

"All across the country, CTE programs are preparing learners for educational and career success in sectors that span the American economy," said LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director of the Association for Career and Technical Education. "But providing high-quality CTE programs requires financial resources, and federal funding for Perkins CTE continues to be insufficient to meet the demands of both students and the labor market. This critical legislation makes smart and targeted investments to strengthen the nation's postsecondary CTE programs and build connections across the entire education and workforce development system. We applaud the bill's sponsors and are grateful for their efforts to strengthen CTE."

Perkins is the primary federal funding source for high school, college and university CTE programs that are critical for preparing students for higher education and jobs in our local and regional economies. This bill would also bump up funding for tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions by $10.5 million.

This legislation has been endorsed by Association for Career and Technical Education and Advance Career and Technical Education.