Congressman Krishnamoorthi Joins President Biden At McHenry County College Event In Support Of Community College And Career Education Programs

Press Release

Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joined Governor Pritzker, Senators Durbin and Duckworth, fellow Members of Congress, Illinois State Representatives, and President Joe Biden at McHenry County College to promote the President's "Build Back Better" agenda to increase support for our education systems and career opportunities. President Biden toured McHenry County College to see their facilities and learn about their programs before giving his speech on how his American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan will help students and educators. During his speech, President Biden quoted First Lady Jill Biden in saying that "any nation that out-educates us is going to out-compete us."

"I was proud to join President Biden and leaders from across our state in visiting McHenry County College to discuss the importance of supporting our community colleges as engines of opportunity and economic growth," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. "I want every single child to have the chance to continue their education. By investing in our students and our educators, we are investing in the international competitiveness of the American economy and the long-term success of every industry. My top priority in Congress has always been strengthening and expanding the middle class, and our community colleges play a central role in that mission. That's why I've led successful efforts to modernize our nation's career and technical education (CTE) system, and why I look forward to continuing to work with President Biden to make community colleges and career training affordable for every American."

In 2018, Congressman Krishnamoorthi's bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, the first reauthorization and reform of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Program in 12 years, was signed into law. Among its many changes to skills-based education and training nationwide, the law increased funding for CTE programs by up to $1.3 billion annually, providing high school and post-secondary students with on-the-job training in fields such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Reforms introduced in the law included the requirement that educators work with local businesses to ensure middle school, high school, and post-secondary CTE courses would prepare students for in-demand jobs in their community.

Source