WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to improve career and technical education programs, the U.S. Senate late last night passed The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins) Act. The Perkins Act provides individuals with career and technical education training opportunities to prepare students both for post-secondary education and the careers of their choice. In fiscal year 2006, Rhode Island is estimated to receive approximately $5.8 million in Perkins state grants. The Perkins Act is an investment in our future. It is a critical investment in vocational education programs and prepares students for high-skilled jobs. A highly-skilled workforce not only grows our economy, but maintains Americas competitive edge in the world, said Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee who was appointed to the Conference Committee negotiating the final language of the Perkins Act. This legislation is a significant step in ensuring that our students have access to high-quality, high-wage jobs. It benefits Rhode Island and the nation. There are 10 regional education centers in Rhode Island that receive federal funding through the Perkins Act to provide equipment and resources for technical training programs. Local high schools and colleges also benefit from this federal funding. The Perkins Act benefits Rhode Island and students across the nation by helping to prepare our young people for the jobs of tomorrow, continued Reed. I have worked to expand and enhance Perkins career and technical education teacher preparation and professional development programs because I believe that well-trained and qualified teachers, principals, and faculty are the key for ensuring that students participating in career and technical education programs have the necessary skills and tools to compete in an ever-expanding global economy.The House of Representatives must now pass the bill and then it will go to the President to be signed into law.