My Visit to Capitol Hill


Visit with Kevin Kincheloe, legislative assistant to the Honorable James Lankford, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma

My visit to Washington DC for ACTE’s National Policy Seminar was an exercise in privilege and amazement.  I’ve travelled to DC in the past, but not in this capacity: we were there to learn about ACTE National, the mechanics behind the organization, and about our roles as advocates for CTE.  This visit made the U.S. government tangible and not just something we all talk about as being something that exists in the Aether.  One of our Hill visits led us to Senator James Lankford’s office to discuss the Perkins reauthorization and its importance to CTE.  While the Senator was unavailable, we did have the honor of speaking with Kevin Kincheloe, his legislative assistant.

My perception ahead of the visit was one of skepticism with regard to the impact we could have speaking just to Sen. Lankford’s assistant. I have to say, when Kevin entered the room he was on his game, smartly dressed with pen and pad in hand.  Our group was afforded the time to not just talk with Kevin but to have a conversation about CTE and the major role it plays in the broader economy.  He talked to us about the views the Senator holds with respect to Perkins.  I have to say I was impressed with his articulation and attention, and immediately noticed his eye contact and level of engagement.

I was also able to advocate for veterans who, because of antiquated definitions and eligibilities in current policy, are being left out of many CTE programs.  Kevin not just understood the impacts these policies have but seemed to be on our side and in agreement that something should be done to correct these issues and bring these policies into the 21st Century.

I offered some simple verbiage changes that would make huge positive impacts on Perkins. Kevin did concede that the healthcare bill and its debates were taking a large block of the stage, and until its resolution everything else would remain in the backseat. I am optimistically hopeful the new Congress takes this challenge in strengthening our CTE resources.

CTE is not just job prep, it is a total solution for many millions of people who are working today.  It embodies more than just vocational education—it represents a network of hard working people building dreams and futures. And while people like Kevin never get thanked for their hard work, they are still one of the most important ingredients to the recipe of success.  Publicly, I would like to thank Kevin for the opportunity to sit and visit.  His welcoming demeanor, his attention to the issue and his willingness to engage says everything.  Kevin, thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to this nation.

By Tommy Hamilton
2017 ACTE Business Education Division Fellow
Moore Norman Technology Center
Norman, Oklahoma