The midterm elections this week delivered major victories for the Democratic Party, as they flipped both the House and Senate and will assume control in the 120th Congress when it convenes next year. Read more about the results of the election and their impact on CTE policy on the blog. In other news this week, the Department of Labor (DOL) released pay-for-performance incentive funding for Registered Apprenticeship programs. Congress returns for the lame duck session next week, so there will be much more legislative activity to report! Read more updates below.

• The Midterm Elections and CTE Policy Webinar: Join ACTE on Nov. 12 from 3-3:45PM EST for a webinar breaking down the midterm elections and what they mean for CTE policy. Register here.
• DOL Launches Registered Apprenticeship Incentive Funding: On Nov. 2, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can now apply for direct payments of up to $6,000 per apprentice through the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program. Funding will support apprenticeship programs in different high-demand industries, from telecommunications to nuclear energy and shipbuilding.
• DOL Finalizes Rule Removing Affirmative Action from Registered Apprenticeship: On Nov. 6, the DOL finalized a rule that removes affirmative action policies and requirements previously imposed on Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors.
• ED Issues Revisions to Competitive Priorities: On Nov. 5, ED released proposed changes to the Secretary’s Supplemental Priorities and Definitions, which are used in competitive grant competitions. The proposal expands several of the existing priorities, including through additional emphasis on CTE, career pathways, and work-based learning, Comments are due Dec. 7.
• ED Approves Waiver for Ohio: On Oct. 30, ED approved Ohio’s Returning Education to the States waiver, bringing the total number of states with approved waivers up to eight. The waiver allows Ohio to consolidate over $38 million in federal funds through 2029.
• Bonamici Makes Pitch to Lead House Education Committee: On Nov. 4, Rep. Bonamici (D-OR), co-chair of the House CTE Caucus, sent a memo to colleagues laying out her priorities for the first 100 days of the next Congress as she seeks leadership of the House education committee. According to the memo, she is prioritizing lowering costs, rebuilding trust with working families and holding the Trump administration accountable if she were to lead the panel.
• Borrowers Accuse ED of Mismanaging Public Service Loan Forgiveness: On Oct. 30, a nationwide class action lawsuit was filed by the American Federation of Teachers arguing the Administration has prevented them from securing money they are owed in debt relief through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• DOJ Makes Arrests as Part of FAFSA ‘Ghost Student’ Investigation: The Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it had charged several people as part of a nationwide investigation into federal student aid fraud. The arrests are the first results from their effort to crack down on the ‘ghost students’ haunting colleges.
• Secretary McMahon Visits Hawai’i on National Education Tour: Secretary McMahon visited Hawai’i as part of her Returning Education to the States tour, visiting the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Marine Biology and K-12 schools.