House brings back bills reorganizing career and technical education
There was little debate as lawmakers took the first step toward passing a politically popular bill that aims to raise awareness of career and technical education opportunities. (Katie Meyer/WITF)
(Harrisburg) — A slate of eight bills aimed at bolstering career and technical education is on the move in the state House.
The package made it through the House Education Committee with minimal debate.
A couple of them aim to help students track course credits. Another would hand out tax credits to contributing businesses, while others broadly seek to raise awareness of career and tech programs and increase coordination between them.
A nearly-identical package passed the chamber last session, but stalled in the Senate.
GOP Education Chair Curt Sonney said this time, he has higher hopes.
“I think everybody recognizes that there is a greater need for career and technical education in the workforce today,” he said. “This package deals mostly with awareness–making sure parents and children are aware of those opportunities.”
Support for career and technical education was a key part of Governor Tom Wolf’s budget pitch this year–and happens to be one of the only work-related areas where Republicans and Democrats agree.
On issues like the minimum wage and work requirements for Medicare and SNAP, however, the parties remain split.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
