Assembly Bill 1303, introduced by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell to provide an additional $150 million to K-12 Vocational/Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, passed the Assembly on Wednesday 76-0, according to O’Donnell’s office.
“As a classroom teacher, I have seen firsthand how vocational programs engage students and guide them to success,” said O’Donnell, who is chair of the Assembly Education Committee. “Vocational/career technical programs prepare our students for lasting careers and strengthen our California workforce. I am grateful for the overwhelming support we have received for this bill. I look forward to working with the Senate on its passage.”
According to the assemblyman’s office, AB 1303 builds upon last year’s appropriation of $300 million in ongoing funds to Vocational/CTE programs. If enacted, funding for Vocational/CTE programs will total $450 million. The bill will also align two existing programs under the direction of the California Department of Education to make it easier for school districts to apply for funding and meet accountability requirements.
“We must offer students options,” O’Donnell said. “Not every student will go to college, and not every job requires a college degree. We have a shortage of workers for jobs requiring technical skills. The State needs to increase its efforts to meet the needs of our economy.”
The bill now awaits referral to its first Senate policy committee.
