Graves: VOTECH Education Key For Tomorrow's Jobs

Graves: VOTECH Education Key For Tomorrow's Jobs
Wednesday, May 4, 2005

House Passes Bi-partisan VOTECH Act Today

(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves continued his support for Vocational Technology Education today as the House passed H.R. 366 -The Vocational and Technical Education Act of 2005. Graves has been a consistent supporter of VOTECH citing the invaluable experience it provides for real world jobs.

"I am a firm believer that we need to prepare all of our students for the challenges they will face in the real world," said Graves. "Vocational Technology programs are a part of a well-rounded curriculum."

The bill reauthorizes the program through 2011. Missouri's share of funding in FY 2005 is estimated to be $24.1 million for basic states grants and $2.2 million for Tech-Prep Grants. This year's bill requires more money to be spent at the local level.

"There is no one-size fits all in education," said Graves. "I think parents, teachers and administrators should decide what is in their schools best interests and not a Washington bureaucrat."

A similar bill passed the Senate in March by a 99-0 vote. A conference committee of House and Senate leaders must reconcile the differences before a bill can be sent to the President.

http://www.house.gov/graves/newsroom/050405a.htm