Rick Allen: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Career technical education is critical to the development of a growing workforce. As…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Career technical education is critical to the development of a growing workforce. As I go into the schools today, I often ask the students: Why are you getting an education? These are questions that I ask the students: Why is education important? The answer is to get a good job, to build a career. Our schools teach children all the necessary and important subjects, but it is important that we offer programs that prepare students for the workforce. We have to work to bridge the existing gap between the business community and education. That means encouraging students to find their passions early on and choosing programs that will build their resumes and set them up for their chosen occupation. As a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, a member of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, and with over 40 years in the business world, I am a strong supporter of this bill. Growing this economy starts with jobs and getting people back to work. So why not start by preparing America's future workforce early? I urge support of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.”