(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) that will ensure small businesses have access to information about Career and Technical Education programs and can, more importantly, hire accomplished and competent CTE graduates. The Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025 now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
"CTE graduates have the skills and dedication that small businesses in Maryland and across the country need," said Congressman Olszewski, who is a member of the House Small Business Committee. "This bill reaffirms that there are many ways to meaningfully contribute to our economy, and will connect hardworking students to good-paying and high-demand jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond. I thank my colleagues for joining me in passing this bipartisan, common sense bill to grow our middle class."
The bill was cosponsored by Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), who chairs the Small Business Committee.
"As we usher in the Golden Age of America, Main Street is in critical need of skilled workers," said Congressman Williams. "Plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and countless others are the backbone of our economy, and without them, the American people would not have the critical goods and services that we often take for granted. The passage of H.R. 1642 will help countless graduates translate their skills into the workforce by connecting them with the small businesses that need them most. I am proud to lead the charge in encouraging more young people to pursue valuable CTE professions."
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of services to help educate and counsel small businesses, including Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women's Business Centers (WBCs). The Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act would require SBDCs and WBCs to provide information to small businesses about hiring career and technical education graduates and provide graduates with information on how to launch a small business.
Read the full text of the legislation here.
Congressman Olszewski prioritized workforce development and Career and Technical Education in his previous role as Baltimore County Executive, implementing a $3.3 billion school improvement plan with a strong emphasis on CTE. He launched the Public Health Pathways Program, which connects students in underserved Baltimore communities with high-demand nursing jobs and created the Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) program, which reduces barriers to employment.
This legislation is endorsed by SkillsUSA, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, all of which support workforce development efforts across the nation.
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