Micah Melling talks about important legislation

2011-08-10

During National Officer Training last month, the members of Team 66 visited Capitol Hill and met with a number of U.S. Senators and Representatives. One of the main topics of discussion during our meetings was the Perkins Act, which provides funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Annually, the Perkins Act supplies $1.2 billion in funds for CTE. These funds are the lifeblood for classes such as marketing, agriculture, and welding.

In February, Congress cut Perkins funds by $140 million. For Fiscal Year 2012, the President is anticipated to propose an additional $260 million in cuts to Perkins funds. Without a doubt, the funding is at risk for the CTE classes we take.

A decrease in Perkins funding has a direct impact on Career and Technical Students Organizations (CTSOs), like DECA, FBLA, and FFA. Simply stated, decreased funding for CTE programs translates into having less powerful CTSOs.

Now is the time to make our voices heard. Collectively, we must reach out to the members of the U.S. Congress and tell them about the positive impact DECA has made on us. We must fight for the livelihood of our great organization and work to preserve its future. I strongly encourage you to join in the fight to protect our funding. If we all band together, we can make a difference.

To find out who represents you in Congress, go to http://www.usconstitution.net/congress.html.

If I can be of assistance as you reach out to members of Congress, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me by sending an email to decavpmicah@gmail.com.

DECA Wishes,

Micah Melling

Central Region Vice President