Hill: ‘There’s a Rising Need for Skilled Workers’
Washington,
July 26, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman French Hill (AR-02) voted for legislation to provide Arkansans access to the education they need to fill 21st Century jobs in a booming economy. Hill said: “Because of the Tax Cuts and Job Act, we are seeing more jobs available than bodies to fill them, and many of these are in the skilled trades. As the Co-Chairman of the bipartisan House Skilled American Workforce Caucus, I was proud to support this bill focuses on career education to give Arkansans access to skills essential to be competitive in a growing economy and our local businesses the freedom to provide them. We are innovating a better path to equip Americans for success in the 21st Century workforce, and this bill is now headed to the President’s desk for signature.” Randy Zook, President and CEO Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce / Associated Industries of Arkansas, said: “This bill increases the flexibility local career and technical ed professionals can exercise in matching training programs to local high demand job opportunities. Today’s workplace requires current skills and capabilities and this bill will enable more Arkansans to get the skills and education they need to qualify for better paying jobs. This is a big improvement. Thanks to Congressman Hill and the entire AR delegation for making this happen.” Jane English, Arkansas State Senator, said: “I am so pleased to know that the President will be signing the reauthorization of the Perkins Act. I am particularly pleased that the law will provide for more flexibility for states and communities to determine how dollars will be spent based on their priorities. Helping students and adults obtain the necessary education/skills to compete in today’s and tomorrow’s economy has to be a top priority for every state. I am also pleased to see a coordination with ESSA.” Background: The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, H.R. 2353, reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins Act) to help more Americans enter the workforce with the skills necessary to compete for and succeed in high-skilled, in-demand careers. Specifically, the legislation looks to empower state and local community leaders, improve alignment with in-demand jobs, increase transparency and accountability, and ensure a limited federal role. |
