NAPE provides information on key legislation tracked by NAPE’s Public Policy team. Each page includes a summary of the legislation; why it is relevant to NAPE’s mission; its current status; recommendations for legislative action; and a list of resources so readers can further familiarize themselves with the legislation.
Perkins V
The federal legislation that funds career and technical education (CTE), the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, was most recently reauthorized in 2018 as the Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act for the 21st Century (Perkins V).
Higher Education Act
The Higher Education Act (HEA) was enacted in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Its goal was to bolster the educational resources of American universities and to “provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education.”
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is intended to revamp America’s workforce system by helping job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the local, national and global markets.
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. This includes one’s biological sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a block grant funding program provided to states, territories, and tribes to help them make welfare a temporary assistance program by moving welfare recipients to work.
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act's (ESSA) goal is to combat widespread national poverty, mainly by providing all children with equal access to a quality education, and was previously considered the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.
Paycheck Fairness Act
The Paycheck Fairness Act amended the Fair Labor Standards Act, clarifying that an employer may not pay an employee less than another employee of the opposite gender if they engage in the same work. Although the Act’s focus was primarily on pay discrimination against women in the workforce, it protects both men and women from unequal pay.
Women’s Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations Act
The Women’s Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations Act (WANTO) is designed to train women for nontraditional occupations. It was enacted in 1992 to provide technical assistance to employers and labor unions to encourage employment of women in apprentice-able occupations and nontraditional occupations.
Key Bills in the 116th Congress
We encourage readers to also look at our Public Policy Agenda—which includes more details on NAPE’s legislative recommendations—along with the News from Washington to remain informed of important policy updates. Additionally, NAPE encourages its members to join the Public Policy Committee, which helps to advance NAPE’s policy goals through advocacy and grassroots efforts. Committee members meet on a monthly basis (subject to the congressional calendar), and details on responsibilities can be found here under “Policy & Advocacy.”
