03/18/2024

Rep. Robert Pittenger

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Rep. Robert Pittenger

WASHINGTON – As part of continuing efforts to increase economic opportunity in rural North Carolina communities, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) today voted to increase federal funding for Career and Technical Education in rural areas.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353):

·        Increases from 10% to 15% the amount of federal funds states can set aside to assist eligible students in rural communities.

·        Provides states more flexibility to focus training programs on in-demand jobs.

·        Focuses federal Career and Technical Education funding on local needs by incorporating input from local educators, parents, students, workforce development boards, community leaders, and local businesses in the planning process.  Currently, states negotiate their performance goals with Washington bureaucrats.

“As the Congressman for Lumberton, Wadesboro, Maxton, Hamlet, Hope Mills, Elizabethtown, and many vibrant rural communities, my goal is to help rural residents better connect with the millions of good-paying jobs that go unfilled due to a lack of qualified workers,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “This bipartisan legislation increases funding for rural students and sharpens the focus on training for in-demand jobs.  Today, the House of Representatives came together to support the first update of federal career and technical education law in a decade, and it’s a big win for jobs and our economy.”

 

This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

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