$13 billion proposal would double funding that supports the trades

An Illinois congressman in early June took a big swing at supporting the trades, calling for the doubling of federal funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs nationwide. 

What’s happening: “[F]or many Americans, this post-COVID economic boom is an opportunity to reskill and upskill,” wrote Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in a June 4 resolution to Congress. “[N]ow is the time to invest in American workers.”

• The proposal urges Congress to authorize $13 billion in new spending for CTE programs nationwide, including those specific to HVAC, over the next 10 years — “equaling approximately double the amount” that’s currently authorized, it notes. 

Why it matters: That current amount is around $1.4 billion a year, which flows to states, and then to many local HVAC programs to purchase equipment and hire instructors. 

• But its buying power has eroded, with the figure sitting hundreds of millions of dollars below levels from 30 years ago when adjusted for inflation. 

Zoom out: The resolution follows several similar initiatives announced this year to bolster the trades, including the Trump administration’s effort to add one million new apprentices. 

• It also comes as over 42,000 annual job openings for HVAC techs and installers are projected over the next eight years, driven largely by a wave of expected retirements, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
• But, but, but: While the issues persist, there is evidence of progress: Enrollment in HVAC-specific programs at U.S. vocational schools grew 29 percent year-over-year this spring, as Homepros recently reported — and is up 32 percent since 2020.  

What they’re saying: “By doubling funding for [CTE] programs, we can equip workers with in-demand skills before they enter the job market, creating an expanded pathway to the middle class and a stronger state and country,” Krishnamoorthi said.

• The resolution will now make its way through the legislative process.