Gutknecht Supports Vocational and Technical Education Bill

Gutknecht Supports Vocational and Technical Education Bill

Says bill will help 'educate our kids for the jobs of tomorrow

May 4, 2005

Washington, DC - First District Congressman Gil Gutknecht today supported H.R. 366, the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act. It seeks to help states better utilize federal taxpayer dollars for secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs, increase accountability and emphasize student achievement, and strengthen opportunities for coordination of vocational and technical education. The measure passed the House 416-9.

"As we continue down the path of creating an ever more technology-based economy, it's important for both our teachers and young people to make a commitment to vocational and technical education," Gutknecht said. "We all want our kids to be happy, healthy and prosperous. One way that can happen is to educate our kids for the jobs of tomorrow."

H.R. 366 authorizes appropriations of $1.3 billion for fiscal year 2006 and an estimated $9.8 billion for fiscal years 2006 through 2012, assuming adjustments for inflation. It emphasizes in-service and pre-service professional development opportunities for vocational and technical education teachers. It also focuses on academics for our young people by including entrepreneurial education and activities.

"I often say budgets are about priorities. Making this commitment to educating our young people is critical to their future," Gutknecht concluded.

Gutknecht is the Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry, Vice Chairman of the House Science Committee, and a member of the House Government Reform Committee.

http://www.gil.house.gov/newsroom/statements/2005/MAY/050405ed.htm