Good news! On September 1, Congress finalized a continuing resolution (CR) that extends current funding levels until December 11, avoiding a government shutdown in October ahead of the midterm elections. While some progress was made on the FY 2027 bills, particularly in the House, the process overall had stalled and was unlikely to be finished by the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The CR allows Congress more time to pass appropriations bills and keep the government properly funded and functioning. For more details on the CR, read our blog post.
As negotiations continue, we need Congress to develop and approve appropriations bills that adequately fund education and workforce systems broadly, and CTE programs more specifically, to ensure all learners have the opportunity and resources needed to build skills for lifelong career success.
However, the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill previously introduced in the House proposes broad cuts to both the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Labor (DOL). Although the bill provides a $10 million increase for the CTE Basic State Grant under the Perkins Act, it includes significant reductions elsewhere, including full or partial funding cuts to other programs that support CTE programs and learners, like the Adult Basic Education program.
With the extra time the CR provides for additional negotiations, please continue emphasizing to Congress that while an increase in Perkins funding is critical, it is also essential that sustained investments are made in the entire education and workforce system.
ACTION NEEDED: CLICK HERE to urge your Members of Congress to support education and workforce development funding in FY 2027!
Send a message directly using the ACTE Action Center. You can also call or email directly any personal contacts that you have in your Members’ offices, such as from a meeting at NPS, or call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and an operator will connect you to your Member of Congress.
