Advance CTE & ACTE Statement on Education & Workforce Development Investments in FY26 House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Proposal
Alexandria, VA – Advance CTE and the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) release the following statement regarding the FY26 House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations proposal:
“Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee advanced a federal fiscal 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding measure that would, if enacted, provide a modest funding increase for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Simultaneously, the bill proposes significant divestments in critical education and workforce development programs, such as the foundational investments made in K-12 education via the Every Student Succeeds Act, and the elimination of several critical investments authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that would impact wider career preparation efforts.
CTE programs do not operate in isolation. While our organizations are grateful for Congress’ recognition of the importance of investing in state CTE systems and supporting local CTE programs funded through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V), this legislative proposal would reduce opportunities for CTE learners rather than expanding them.
We are particularly concerned about the proposed funding reductions for foundational investments made in our nation’s education and workforce development systems, noted earlier. Perkins V and the CTE programs it supports are a vital component of the wider career preparation ecosystem, but CTE’s success relies on continued investment throughout the entire educational continuum.
Career preparation investments are growing in importance as the Trump Administration continues to seek to promote career opportunities throughout the American economy and as technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), continue to reshape job requirements and create new skill demands from employers. The Administration’s commitment to American job creation and AI leadership requires robust education and workforce investments, which are essential for maintaining America’s competitive edge. Learners increasingly need stronger foundational skills to adapt to AI-impacted work environments, while employers require education and training systems that provide the talent needed to adapt to these changes.
Cutting spending for education and workforce development programs that provide these opportunities for learners undermines the Administration’s economic priorities and would leave far too many Americans unprepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
As Congress continues to debate full-year FY26 funding legislation, we urge lawmakers to provide the proposed funding increase for Perkins V outlined in the House’s bill while maintaining vital investments in the wider career preparation ecosystem envisioned in late July by the Senate. We look forward to working with Congress to chart a course toward these goals to ensure federal investments can effectively support learners while responding to the rapidly changing needs of employers.”
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The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary, and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs, and pathways that ensure career and college success for each learner.
