The California Renewable Transportation Alliance (CRTA) recently announced its support of AB 377 by Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi (AD 66 – Torrance) to increase state funding for career technical education (CTE) and training programs.
For California to successfully decarbonize its economy by 2045, it will need to see significant growth in infrastructure development, renewable energy generation, low carbon fuel and vehicle options and general technology innovation. All these fields can offer exciting opportunities for reward and advancement but only for those who are technically trained and skilled to meet the required demands.
AB 377 will further improve CTE delivery and program options in California. It will increase annual funding for the the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG) program from $300 million to $450 million, expand the number of regional CTE coordinators that support local CTE teachers and programs, and maintain the high-quality standards that continue to ensure students receive the marketable skills needed to meet future labor market demands.
We must continue our push for greater support and funding for CTE programs so that all students can have access to career readiness training, especially those in disadvantaged communities who are in danger of being left behind during this critical economic transition.
AB 377 will be heard in the Assembly Education Committee on March 22, 2023.