HARRISBURG – Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) voted in support of a bipartisan measure sponsored by Senators Vince Hughes (D-Philadelphia) and Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) that would update state law to more accurately reflect the mission of career and technical schools throughout the state.
“Unfortunately some students are pushed away from attending our career and technical schools that offer amazing educational opportunities because of decades-old stigmas,” Phillips-Hill said. “Instead, we should be celebrating the choices of our next generation. Changing this title reflects the educational opportunities these institutions provide students across the Commonwealth today. No one should be ashamed of attending a career and technical school.”
Senate Bill 89 will change all references throughout the state’s Public School Code from “vocational-technical schools” to “career and technical schools.” According to the sponsors of the bill, this change will update an outdated term that has negative stigmas attached to it. Phillips-Hill said this measure would help fill the skilled-labor shortage, allow students to pursue other education opportunities and not fear backlash from peers in school for choosing a different education and career path.
“I commend the bipartisan cooperation of my colleagues to encourage this educational option, which leads to family-sustaining careers and provides an excellent alternative for students who may not want to pursue a four-year college degree,” she added.
The legislation moves to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
You can listen to Senator Phillips-Hill’s remarks here.