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.
About: Legislative
When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Jeff Tew
MAP Partner
Read More
Five Truths About Final Brick Cleandown
May 2026

Not all truths are self-evident. Sometimes they’re easy to forget or clouded with misunderstanding. The good news is these truths of final cleandown are not hard to implement on your next project to ensure successfully cleaned and beautiful new brick.

Jake Boyer
MAP Partner
Read More
Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Registration Now Open for the 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting, set to take place in San Antonio, Texas. This exciting event is scheduled from September 13th-1

Industry News
Read More