On July 29, the House approved, 399-1, the conference report (S. 250) to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act. (P.L. 105-332). The Senate approved the conference report by voice vote on July 26. The House passed its version of the legislation (H.R. 366) in May 2005 (see The Source, 5/6/05), two months after the Senate approved its bill (S. 250). It will now go to the White House for President Bush’s signature.
The conference report reauthorizes vocational and educational programs through FY2012. The primary difference between the House and Senate bills was resolved with a compromise concerning the Tech-Prep program, which provides courses in math, science, and technology leading to an associate degree or certificate in a technical field. The conference report maintains the Tech-Prep program, but allows states to use Tech-Prep funds for Perkins programs. The House bill would have folded the Tech-Prep program into the Perkins state grants program; the Senate version kept it separate.
Of particular relevance to women, S. 250 requires the use of local funds to prepare special populations, including single parents, single pregnant women, displaced homemakers, persons from economically disadvantaged families, and foster children, for high-skill, high-wage occupations that lead to self-sufficiency.
Rep. Howard McKeon (R-CA) stated, “The conference report before us will help states better utilize federal funds for secondary and postsecondary career education programs, increase accountability, and emphasize student achievement and strengthen opportunities for coordination between secondary and postsecondary career and technical education.”
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) said, “I am particularly pleased that this bill improves programs and services for women and girls pursuing nontraditional occupations. Families, industries, and our economy as a whole benefit when women and girls pursue non-traditional, traditionally ‘male’ careers–in technology, math, science, and the construction and building trades. Unfortunately, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in these fields…If women were to enter these professions, most of which are unionized and pay a livable paycheck and benefits, women would increase their earnings and standard of living for their families.”
