Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after President Trump signed into law the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21^st Century Act (H.R. 2353):

“America has a booming economy and we now have a job market where the number of job openings exceeds the number of people looking for work. Unfortunately, far too many of these jobs, including jobs right here in Indiana, have gone unfilled because employers simply cannot find workers who have the proper training and skills.

“It is critical that we close the skills gap and ensure students receive the education and resources required to build a promising and successful career. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21^st Century Act will do that, modernizing our career and technical programs and empowering state and local communities to tailor these programs to meet unique local needs. By enabling students to enter the workforce with skills that will meet the demands of 21^st century employers, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21^st Century Act will help Hoosier students close the skills gap and meet the needs of local and national employers excited to hire Americans in this booming economy.”   

Background

• Empowers state and local community leaders by simplifying the application process for receiving federal funds and providing more flexibility to use federal resources to respond to changing education and economic needs.

• Improves alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships, and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.

• Increases transparency and accountability by streamlining performance measures to ensure CTE programs deliver results, empowering parents, students, and stakeholders with a voice in setting performance goals and evaluating the effectiveness of local programs.

• Ensures a limited federal role by reining in the secretary of education’s authority, limiting federal intervention, and preventing political favoritism.