SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-Templeton) has called on the Legislature to fully fund Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in California’s high schools. In a letter to the budget subcommittee overseeing education finance, Cunningham requested an additional $100 million to ensure that students will have access to CTE programs, including shop classes, agricultural education and engineering programs. “Career Technical Education is a key pathway to good-paying jobs,” said Cunningham. “We must invest in these programs to give students the tools they need for 21st century jobs. Without these funds, CTE teachers will lose support and kids will lose opportunities in the modern workforce.” If nothing is done, California’s CTE Incentive Grant program is set to lose one-third of its funding in the 2017-18 fiscal year. Cunningham’s budget request, joint-authored by Assemblyman Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield), would undo those cuts and ensure a stable funding stream for workforce training programs. CLICK HERE to view the letter. ### | |