U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) applauded Tuesday the passage of his legislation, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, into law.
Casey was the primary Democratic author of the legislation, which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to improve career and technical education.
“I am pleased that we were able to work together across party lines on legislation that will help ensure that all students and workers get the skills they need to compete for well-paying jobs today and in the future,” Casey said. “I’d like to thank Senator Enzi, Ranking Member Murray and Chairman Alexander for their work and cooperation over the last few years. I look forward to strong results from our nation’s students, workers, and economy.”
The legislation is designed to update career and technical education (CTE), recruit and retain CTE educators, improve access to CTE education and help workers and students obtain skills needed to find employment.
The law is the first reauthorization of the Perkins CTE Act since 2006. The Perkins CTE Act encourages states, schools, and local CTE providers to update education and job training and also increases alignment with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). It also fosters collaboration between high schools, institutions of higher education, community-based organizations and local businesses.
The American Federation of Teachers and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as approximately 500 businesses and organizations from the National Association of Manufacturers, have expressed support for reauthorization.