Secretary McMahon Testifies on FY27 Budget Request
Last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss the administration’s fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education (ED). During the hearing, lawmakers raised questions related to federal education investments, workforce preparation, student aid, accountability and the future role of the Department in supporting states and learners. As a reminder, the proposal requests level-funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) state grant program while proposing to eliminate federal support for postsecondary CTE programming—a key implementation decision currently made by states, not the federal government.
Discussions during the hearing also touched on postsecondary affordability, career preparation and pathways aligned to workforce needs. Senators from both parties sharply questioned Secretary McMahon regarding its extensive use of several interagency agreements (IAAs) to share the day-to-day functions of many programs housed at ED with other federal agencies, including Perkins V.
In particular, senators on the panel questioned how ED measures success of these efforts and how previous IAA efforts, including one impacting Perkins V, have fared so far. In response, the Secretary shared that “…clearly there were some hiccups to begin with, which I think would be natural to work out. But we have worked them out. So I’m really pleased that in terms of the WIOA programs and the Perkins grants, those mergers have gone incredibly well getting those grants out the door on time and states have not issued any kind of complaints and so I’m really satisfied now with how this is working as we move.”
Appropriations leaders on the panel also sharply questioned the Secretary regarding the TRIO Talent Search grant program, including limiting the number of grantees during the upcoming award cycle and a refocusing of the program’s grant priorities away from its historical focus on college preparation activities.
The administration’s accompanying budget request materials also emphasized priorities related to expanding educational choice, reducing federal spending, and proposed restructuring of several federal education investments. Additional information can be found through the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing page and the ED’s testimony release.
Advance CTE Endorses Skill Savings Act
Advance CTE endorsed the Skill Savings Act, legislation introduced this week by Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), co-chairs of the Congressional CTE Caucus. The legislation establishes portable, tax-advantaged accounts that workers of all ages can use to pay for qualified education and training expenses. Workers, employers, family members, community investment organizations, and government agencies can all contribute to an individual’s account, which follows the worker throughout their career.
“The Skill Savings Account Act creates a portable, tax-advantaged tool that empowers learners and workers to invest in their own upskilling and reskilling, reflecting how today’s careers and related pathways actually unfold,” said Advance CTE’s Executive Director, Kate Kreamer, upon introduction. Read more about the proposal.
House Holds Hearing on Educational Equity
The House Education and Workforce’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing last week titled “Leveling Down: How Equity Policies Undermine Excellence and Harm Students.” Subcommittee members and witnesses debated whether equity-focused reforms in K-12 schools—including changes to gifted and talented admissions, selective academic programming, and grading standards—broaden opportunity or erode academic rigor. Subcommittee Chair Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and Republican members argued that equity-centered reforms have too often diminished rigor and restricted opportunities for high-achieving students, while Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Democratic members defended efforts to expand access for historically underrepresented learners and emphasized that excellence and equity can coexist when programs are properly designed.
Witnesses included Daniel Buck (American Enterprise Institute), Paul Runko (Defending Education), Wai Wah Chin (Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Greater New York), and Michaele N. Turnage Young (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund). The hearing reflects continued committee scrutiny of equity initiatives in public schools and highlights existing divides between Democrats and Republicans on this issue that are likely to shape K-12 and adjacent education policy debates in the months ahead. Learn more.
Legal Fight Over Spending Transparency Continues
An ongoing court case related to the Office of Management and Budget’s efforts to withhold information regarding federal spending continued this week . In an amicus brief filed in recent days, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) warned that without real-time access to spending information, lawmakers cannot determine whether the administration is delaying, redirecting, or withholding appropriated funds– as it has done in several instances over the last year. While the dispute spans all federal agencies, the outcome carries direct implications for federal education and workforce funding streams, including Perkins V state grants, that depend on transparent apportionment to ensure timely and accurate distribution to states. The case follows last summer’s effort by the administration to withhold roughly $7 billion in Congressionally authorized education funding. The resolution of this case is expected to shape how Congress monitors implementation of appropriations across the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies supporting CTE and workforce development.
ED and Labor Announce Assessment Grant Competition
This week, the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Labor (DOL) announced an additional competitive grant opportunity under the Elementary and Secondary Education partnership interagency agreement (IAA). The funding opportunity is intended to support state assessment systems and related efforts. According to the Federal Register notice, the competition will provide funding to support the development, improvement and implementation of high-quality assessment systems. The announcement reflects continued federal interest in strengthening how states measure student learning and readiness. Read more about the announcement.
House Advances Farm Bill with Community College Workforce Provision
On April 30, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, sending the legislation to the Senate for further consideration. The bill includes a new community college grant program focused on agricultural workforce development. If enacted, the program would provide funding for community colleges to develop and expand agricultural education, workforce training and job preparation opportunities connected to in-demand agricultural careers. The legislation reflects ongoing congressional interest in strengthening workforce development strategies within agriculture and rural communities, including partnerships between education providers and employers. Read the text of the legislation.
Department of Labor Highlights National Apprenticeship Week Activities
DOL recently announced several activities connected to National Apprenticeship Week, including a roundtable discussion and celebration events focused on workforce development and registered apprenticeship expansion. The events brought together federal leaders, employers, workforce organizations and education stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening apprenticeship pathways and expanding access to work-based learning opportunities across industries. The Department also used the week to highlight apprenticeship growth and partnerships intended to support workforce development priorities nationwide. Read more about the roundtable news release and the National Apprenticeship Week announcement.
Department of Labor Announces Expansion of AI-Focused Apprenticeships
The U.S. Department of Labor announced new efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities connected to artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology fields. According to the Department, the initiative is intended to support the growth of AI-related workforce pathways and help prepare learners and workers for careers in rapidly evolving industries. The effort reflects broader federal attention on workforce readiness in technology-driven sectors and the role apprenticeship programs can play in developing industry-aligned talent pipelines. Read more about the announcement.
