There was less activity this week in Washington as Congress continued its August recess. Developments in the FY 24 appropriations process, described below, illustrate how important your advocacy is going to be when the session resumes in September! Ask your lawmakers to show their support for the highest level of possible funding for Perkins, workforce development and the entire secondary and postsecondary education systems. In other items, news about the defense spending bill and the delay of this year’s farm bill was also in the headlines. Read more news and notes below:

• Members of Congress Insert New Challenges into Appropriations Process: This week, the conservative House Freedom Caucus released a list of demands they are asking for in exchange for their votes to avoid a government shutdown at the end of September. The group of Republican lawmakers said it would oppose any short-term continuing resolutions unless leadership meets their demands related to military policy, border security and the workings of the FBI and the Department of Justice. These demands underscore the difficulty of passing spending legislation once Congress returns in September.
• Department of Labor Announces $1.3 Million Grant to Support Gender Equity: The Department of Labor (DOL) has announced the award of more than $1.3 million to the state of Illinois and the Chicago Women in Trades organization to support the creation and adoption of equity plans to increase women’s inclusion in construction industry jobs.
• Department of Education Launches New Income-Driven Repayment Tool: The Department of Education (ED) has announced the launch of its new income-driven repayment application tool, which allows borrowers to enroll in the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. This plan is more generous to borrowers than previous income-driven repayment plans.
• The National Skills Coalition Publishes Update on JOBS Act and Gainful Employment Regulations: The National Skills Coalition (NSC), a close ACTE partner in the federal policy space, recently published an update on the JOBS Act and Gainful Employment Regulations. The post provides a comprehensive look at the status of both policy issues that have the potential to significantly impact CTE programs.
• OCTAE Invites High School Students to Enter into Your Place in Space Challenge: ED’s Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) is inviting secondary-level students to submit designs for a product or service that contributes to space missions or exploration to help them envision themselves in the industry and identify a space career pathway. Submissions are due by 6:00 p.m. ET on October 30, 2023. Up to 10 winners will receive $5,000 each and earn in-kind prizes such as space-related classroom equipment or supplies, site visits to space company campuses, and interactions with high-profile leaders in the space industry.
• ED’s Office for Civil Rights Issues Resource on Race and School Programming: ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) on race and school programming to provide guidance to schools on lawful programs that promote racially inclusive school communities. The resource lays out the circumstances consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 under which schools can develop curricula and programs and engage in activities that promote practices of diversity and inclusivity.