House Passes Perkins Legislation; AGC’s CEO Issues Statement

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

On Tuesday evening, Sept. 13, 2016, the U.S. House passed the Perkins Act legislation, a.k.a. the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

This legislation brings measures to address construction workforce shortages one step closer to enactment, making it easier for school districts to teach construction skills and improving certification options.

The CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in response to the Act’s passage in the House:

“The fact an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of the House approved this new career and technical education legislation is a clear sign that members of Congress understand the need to provide more students with the skills they need to enter high-paying careers like construction. Significantly, this new legislation includes reforms we have long advocated to allow school officials to offer programs that local employers need. In addition, the measure opens the way for greater acceptance of industry-recognized credentials within school programs, something we also have long championed.

“Moving forward, the [AGC] will be working aggressively to encourage the Senate to quickly pass this measure and send it to the president for his signature,” Sandherr continued. “The last thing our economy can afford is to continue preparing students for jobs that don’t exist while employers search in vain for workers with skills that aren’t taught.”

Contractor Tip of the Month: The Tough Calls That Define a Leader
April 2025

In construction, every project balances a delicate trio: coordination, precision, and timing. However, beyond blueprints and schedules, leadership demands something far greater—the ability to lead and make difficult decisions that shape the future of a co

Fechino Files: Cell Phones
April 2025

Twenty years ago, I would have never thought cell phones would be such a crazy, over-the-top item that everyone has, but I guess I should have known better. When I was a kid, the Citizen Band Radio was a crazy fad. "Breaker-breaker 19," I bet you could he

Marvelous Masonry: Neuschwanstein Castle
April 2025

Neuschwanstein Castle, with its fairy-tale silhouette and dramatic perch atop the Bavarian Alps, stands as one of the most iconic structures in the world. Built in the late 19th century under the vision of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this architectural mas

Business Building: 5 Steps To Develop Accountability & Responsibility!
April 2025

I bet scheduling crews and dealing with people drives you crazy and keeps you up at night. When I speak at conventions, I often ask construction business owners and managers to tell me what their perfect business would be like. The common answer is a comp