Urge your Senators to Pass the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act

Words: Stephen BorgThe Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to report that following our annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. in May, the U.S. House of Representatives heeded our calls and passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R.2353) by a unanimous, bipartisan voice vote on June 22, 2017. As you will remember, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act re-authorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education program, the federal law that was originally passed in 1984 to provide federal support to state and local career and technical education (CTE) programs.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act would simplify the application process and empower state and local workforce leaders, improve program alignment with in-demand jobs, increase accountability, and ensure a limited federal role in state program implementation.

Please click here to learn more.

The MCAA fully supports the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act and asks you to contact your federal Senators and ask them to quickly pass the bill as well. This bill authorizes over $1 billion annually and will go a long way towards reversing the current downward trend of support and availability of CTE programs that our industry needs to continue to find willing and able employees.

Visit www.masoncontractors.org/positions/strengthening-career-and-technical-education-for-the-21st-century-act to take action.
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 34 Recap: Major Ogilvie, CEO at Ogilvie Strategies, LLC
December 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Major Ogilvie joins the set to talk about his days playing football in college, how his journey started, and how he's seen the masonry industry change over the years.

Building the Future of the Trades: STABILA’s International Social Media Day and Verified Social Channels Are Inspiring the Next Generation
December 2025

In an era when social media often shapes public perception more than traditional media, even the most time-honored trades are finding new ways to connect, educate, and inspire. STABILA, a global name synonymous with precision measurement tools is trusted

Brickworks Supply Joins the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to share that Brickworks Supply will join the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner.

The Florida Department of Corrections Masonry Competition
December 2025

The intersection of Career & Technical Education (CTE) training and rehabilitation was on full display recently as the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) hosted a statewide masonry competition. Held at the Cross City Correctional Institution, the eve