Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) is one of two recipients, announced at this week’s Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) conference in Washington, of the National Policymaker of the Year Award commending his long-term support of career and technical education. The honor is presented annually by ACTE’s Board of Directors to those who have made a significant impact on policy related to career and technical education during an extended career of public service.
Langevin, who serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, has advocated for improving and increasing access to training that gives students and workers the skills that best fit the needs of expanding industries. His fellow co-chair, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) was the other honoree.
Speaking on the House Floor in February, Langevin acknowledged National Career and Technical Education Month, urging Congress to recognize the critical role that CTE plays in creating the effective partnerships that give students the skills they need for available jobs. “CTE is an investment in the future of our economy, our workforce, and our country.” said Langevin. Among his efforts to boost Rhode Island’s workforce, Langevin has launched a competition to introduce high school students to the rapidly growing cybersecurity field and has helped obtain funding to start other workforce development initiatives.
“As many of you are aware, the Perkins Act is a major federal funding source for career and technical education in high schools, career and tech centers and community and technical colleges that support professional development, access to the latest technology and equipment, and integration of academic and technical education,” said Langevin after receiving his award.
“Unfortunately, while demand for CTE has increased, funding for the Perkins Act has remained stagnant for almost a decade and was cut in both 2011 and 2012. Last year, along with a bipartisan group of 67 of my colleagues, we requested that Congress fund the Perkins Act at $1.27 billion, which would restore it to 2010 levels. We are hopeful that a return to the regular appropriations process will allow us to update the authorization levels to reflect 21st Century reality.”
“Representatives Langevin and Thompson have been outspoken supporters of Career and Technical Education during the 112th and 113th Congresses,” said ACTE Board President Karen Mason. “Their support during funding debates and recent reauthorization attempts of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Workforce Investment Act make a difference for CTE students and educators, and we want to recognize them today for those contributions and for the continuing support we know they will make in the future.”
The ACTE National Policy Seminar attracts approximately 400 educators, business leaders and education advocates from across the country running successful career and technical education programs. Conference participants learn about and advocate for federal policies regarding career and technical education. For more information on the Policymaker of the Year awards, please visit www.acteonline.org.
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Karen Mason, President of ACTE, presents Congressman Langevin with the 2013 National Policymaker of the Year Award for his long-term commitment to career and technical education.