Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025
Impact
The bill's implementation is expected to positively impact state laws surrounding workforce development and small business practices. By formalizing the relationship between small businesses and educational programs, it opens pathways for improved employment opportunities and support for graduates entering the job market. This aligns with broader economic development goals by improving the skills of the workforce and aiding small businesses in filling critical positions, thereby enhancing productivity and growth within local economies.
Summary
HB1642, titled the 'Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025', seeks to amend the Small Business Act with the objective of enhancing the collaboration between small businesses and career and technical education programs. The focal point of this legislation is to provide small business development centers and women's business centers with the framework to better connect with graduates of career and technical education programs. This includes provisions for educational information on hiring graduates and utilizing these programs to meet the workforce needs of small businesses.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB1642 appears largely positive, especially among supporters who view the bill as a necessary step towards improving job readiness among graduates of technical education programs. Advocates point out the importance of establishing connections that can lead to meaningful employment, thus benefiting both employers and graduates. However, some concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of outreach and support provided by small business centers to effectively implement these initiatives.
Contention
While the bill presents significant benefits, contention may arise around how effectively the program requirements will be executed and the level of resources allocated to support these initiatives. Critics might argue that without sufficient funding and commitment from small business centers, the intended outcomes of connecting graduates with employment opportunities may not be fully realized. Additionally, there could be discussions on the prioritization of funding and resources towards women's business centers as part of the broader education and workforce strategy.
Parents Bill of Rights Act This bill establishes various rights of parents and guardians regarding the elementary or secondary school education of their children. Local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools must comply with the requirements of the bill in order to receive federal education funds. Specifically, the bill requires schools to notify parents and guardians of their rights regarding the education of their children. These rights include the right to review the curriculum of their child's school; know if the state alters its challenging academic standards; meet with each teacher of their child at least twice each school year; review the budget, including all revenues and expenditures, of their child's school; review a list of the books and other reading materials in the library of their child's school; address the school board of the LEA; receive information about violent activity in their child's school; and receive information about any plans to eliminate gifted and talented programs in the child's school. Additionally, the bill directs each LEA to post on a publicly accessible website (or otherwise widely disseminate to the public) the curriculum for each elementary and secondary school grade level. The LEA must also include in its annual report card the overall budget of the LEA and the budget for each elementary and secondary school. The bill also provides for additional family educational and privacy rights, including by prohibiting schools from selling student information for commercial or financial gain.