ACTE Names Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Anthony Gonzalez as 2019 Policymakers of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2020

Media Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org; 703-683-9312

ACTE Names Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Anthony Gonzalez as 2019 Policymakers of the Year

Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Gonzalez

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to announce that it has named Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) as its 2019 Policymakers of the Year. Both Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Gonzalez have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to advancing career and technical education (CTE) in Congress.

Rep. Krishnamoorthi was the lead Democratic sponsor of House legislation to reauthorize the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act in the 115th Congress. This Congress, he is the lead Democratic sponsor of H.R. 1766, the College Transparency Act, which would help students be more informed decision-makers in choosing their postsecondary paths. Rep. Gonzalez is serving his first term in Congress and has quickly emerged as a CTE champion. He is the lead Republican sponsor of H.R. 3497, the JOBS Act, which would expand Pell Grant eligibility to short-term job training programs.

“We are so thrilled to honor these tremendous CTE advocates,” said LeAnn Wilson, ACTE Executive Director. “Representatives Krishnamoorthi and Gonzalez understand the value that CTE brings to students and economies all across the country, and their continued efforts make the CTE ecosystem stronger. On behalf of tens of thousands of CTE professions nationwide, ACTE extends its deep appreciation to these leaders in Congress for all they have done to advance education that prepares students for both educational and career success.”

“I’m honored to receive this award from ACTE and am forever grateful for their tremendous support and leadership in urging the passage of our bipartisan CTE reauthorization,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “One thing is certain: skills-based education isn’t just a ladder to higher achievement, it’s a launching pad to a middle class life, a stronger economy, and a nation achieving even more of its potential. Looking ahead and with ACTE’s help, I am eager to pass additional bipartisan reforms, such as the College Transparency Act, to ensure all Americans have access to a quality education and a good-paying job.”

“Career and technical education is critical to connecting students with good paying jobs and fulfilling careers that are currently available in communities like mine in Northeast Ohio,” said Congressman Anthony Gonzalez. “I am honored to be recognized by the Association for Career and Technical Education, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to move legislation like the JOBS Act forward.”

Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Gonzalez will be honored in conjunction with ACTE’s National Policy Seminar, an event where hundreds of CTE professionals gather in Washington to have their voices heard and meet with policymakers. The awards will be presented on Tuesday, March 31 at 9:30AM in Senate Hart 902. Please contact Jarrod Nagurka at jnagurka@acteonline.org if you would like to attend.

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About ACTE
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.