7/14/09: President Obama unveiled his eagerly anticipated American Graduation Initiative. The initiative, previewed in ACTE's July 6 Legislative Update, would provide $12 billion over 10 years to improve community and technical colleges and postsecondary programs leading to industry-recognized credentials, certificates and associate degrees. The Obama plan recognized the important role that these institutions play in educating and training students and adults for the high-demand jobs needed to keep the United States economically competitive.

ACTE commended the Administration's proposal in a press release. "It's refreshing to see President Obama acknowledge and emphasize the critical role that two-year colleges and training programs play with respect to building a pipeline of qualified workers," said ACTE Executive Director Jan Bray.

After the president's announcement, the policy process moved quickly. On July 15, House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller introduced H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Financial Responsibility Act. This piece of legislation incorporates a number of elements, including the president's American Graduation Initiative, funds for the modernization of secondary school facilities, increased funding for Pell grants and changes to the federal student loan programs. It is considered a "reconciliation" bill and is designed to cut costs in mandatory spending programs (in this case, the student loan programs) and redirect those savings to other priorities and deficit reduction. Reconciliation bills contain procedural protections, especially in the Senate, which ease their passage, and funds included in these bills are not subject to the annual appropriations process.

Title V of the legislation, the Community College Initiative, makes community and technical colleges and area CTE centers eligible for grants that could be used for a variety of activities that will help more students complete postsecondary education and earn certificates, industry-recognized credentials and associate degrees. Throughout the bill, references to transfer of credits, articulation agreements, improved data systems, job training, apprenticeships, dual-enrollment programs and preparing students for high-wage occupations in high-demand industries support the goals of CTE and the development of a seamless education and workforce development system. Due to these strong themes and the valuable resources it would provide, ACTE submitted a letter in support of the legislation late last week.

The Education and Labor Committee is expected to consider this legislation on July 21, although this "markup" could be postponed. We will be following the legislation closely and working with Congress to ensure that its strong focus on strengthening community and technical colleges and area career and technical centers is maintained. Stay tuned for opportunities to take action in support of this legislation!