June 25, 2008
Last week the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee held a “mark up” of its FY 2009 appropriations bill, providing allocations for specific programs. During this process the Perkins program was funded at $1.273 billion, which is a $2 million increase from last year’s funding, however still below FY 2007 levels ($1.296 billion).
CTE champion, Representative John Peterson (R-PA), found this to be unacceptable and has decided to offer an amendment at the full House Appropriations Committee "mark up," which is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Thursday, June 26) at 10:00 a.m. (EST).
The amendment will attempt to increase Perkins funds and put a stop to the trend of decreased funding which has faced Perkins over recent years due to across-the-board cuts.
It is imperative that every CTE professional contact your Representative as soon as possible to strongly encourage support for Rep. Peterson’s amendment.
TAKE ACTION!
- If your Member of Congress is on the House Appropriations Committee call his or her office and strongly encourage support for the Peterson amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill that would increase funding for the Perkins Act.
-
If your Member of Congress is not on the Appropriations Committee, contact the Member’s office and encourage him/her to contact the Appropriations Committee to support the Peterson Amendment.
-
Tell your Member of Congress that the career and technical education programs funded by Perkins provide effective and proven links to skills-building opportunities and improved employment outcomes; that employers in your community continue to need well-trained workers with good skills; and that CTE serves many in your community (be specific).
-
Thank your Member of Congress for supporting Perkins in the past.
-
