Washington, DC – Earlier today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) participated in a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on career and technical education. During her remarks, Rep. Frankel emphasized the critical role of federal support to help community colleges create opportunities for students, strengthen our workforce, and drive economic growth.

Below are excerpts from Rep. Frankel’s remarks, as delivered:

“First, thank you to the panel. I think this has been an important hearing… It’s been obvious that folks on both sides of the aisle understand the importance of our community colleges…”

“My community college in Palm Beach County, [Palm Beach State College], is phenomenal! It has graduated thousands of students who go on to work in the community—in law enforcement, health care, aeromechanics, and just about every job you can think of...”

“…And for each of you, I really have been very impressed with what you’ve said today. What you didn’t say is also important. No one said to freeze federal funding. No one said to cut the education budget. No one said to get rid of diversity. No one said to eliminate child care for students. No one said to get rid of Pell Grants…”

“…I think some of us are worried because there are some folks in the new Administration who are taking, it seems like, a different path, and that’s why I think it’s so important… It’s so important for Members of Congress to speak up and support what you’re doing in our community colleges.”

“…I really look forward to our committee working together to make sure that we’re uplifting our educational institutions, especially these community colleges, and we work with the new Administration to make sure we send that message to them…”

For Rep. Frankel’s full remarks, click here.

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