Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Hosts Roundtable Discussion in Quad Cities on the Need to Further Invest in Career and Technical Education

EAST MOLINE, IL - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) convened a roundtable discussion with state and local leaders to discuss the success and future of career and technical education (CTE). The discussion, held at the United Township Area Career Center, featured several elected officials and representatives of organized labor and education from within the Quad Cities and focused on how to grow CTE programs at post-secondary education facilities and institutions across Illinois. The conversation also touched on challenges faced by students, employees, and workers as they try and strengthen their skills and grow the state's economy and workforce.

"The Middle Class must be available to all Americans regardless of the career path they choose," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. "Those who grow and refine their skills at institutions such as the United Township Area Career Center deserve the same chance at middle-class success as those who earn a four-year college degree. By investing in high-quality CTE programs here in the Quad Cities and across the state, as well as bringing together elected officials, labor leaders, and educators for these conversations, we will ensure that federal and state funding continues to flow and all Illinoisans have the chance to succeed."

The discussion in the Quad Cities is a continuation of a wider series of roundtables started by Congressman Krishnamoorthi, who has held similar discussions at several other post-secondary institutions across Illinois focused on the need to further invest in CTE programs. Congressman Krishnamoorthi has long advocated for greater CTE funding during his time in Congress and authored the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act that increased federal funding to CTE programs by $1.3 billion annually.