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
- H.R. 2528 : STEM Opportunities Act of 2019
- S. 718: Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act
- S.839: Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act of 2019
- S . 3358: Part Time Worker Bill of Rights Act of 2020
- Public Law No: 116 4: TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Extension Act of 2019
- Public Law No: 113 14: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Legislative One-Pagers
NAPE Coalition Sign-On Letters for the 117th Congress
- A Civil Rights Community Response to Attacks on the Right of Students to Learn About Historical and Ongoing Racial Oppression in the United States
- Written Comment for Title IX Public Hearing (Sex Discrimination)
- Census Deadline Extension Letter
- A Call for Legislative Action to Support Student Survivors of Sexual Harassment
NAPE Coalition Sign-On Letters for the 116th Congress
- Title IX and Sexual Harassment Letter to President-Elect Biden and Vice-President-Elect Harris Transition Team
- COVID-19 Privacy and Civil Rights Principles
- Coalition Letter to House and Senate Leadership on Federal Policing Priorities
- Congress Must Provide Robust Funding for the United States Postal Service
- Credential Transparency COVID-19 Appropriations Request Letter
- Department of ED NPRM Education Distance Learning Support Letter
- Opposition to Professional Development Vouchers for Teachers
- COVID-19 Privacy & Civil Rights Principles Coatition Letter - House
- COVID-19 Privacy & Civil Rights Principles Coatition Letter - Senate
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Funding
- Leadership Conference Coronoavirus Phase 4 Broadband Benefit
- NWLC Letter to ED and OMB re COVID-19 and Title IX
- Student Debt Cancellation Letter
- Title III COVID-19 Sign-On Letter
- Workforce in 4th Stimulus Package National Org Sign on Letter
- Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) FY21 Appropriations Testimony
- Equal Education Opportunity During COVID-19
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.”
