Raja Leads Career and Technical Education Summit with Local Leaders as House Prepares to Vote on Thompson-Krishnamoorthi Act

Congressman Krishnamoorthi hosted a career and technical education summit yesterday to discuss the benefits of the programs to students and businesses, as well as the Thompson-Krishnamoorthi Act, the Congressman’s bill to update and strengthen career education. The Congressman’s legislation, which passed committee unanimously last month and comes to a vote of the full House next week, would not only modernize career education but would build training programs that develop the skills most in demand by employers.

Speakers including Dr. Rebecca Lake, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Harper College, Al Crook, HR Head of Business Partners at Zurich NA, and Aaron Olson, Global Head of HR for AON Corporation, discussed their work with career education programs. Tammy Adimi of Zurich NA and Danielle Garcia from AON spoke to their own experience as apprentices. Vince Sticca, Director of Apprentice and Training Programs at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, outlined the potential of apprenticeship programs in the trades and the growing demand for more skilled workers.

“I’m glad we had such a strong show of support for career education today from the business community, educators, the labor movement, and students already benefiting from this training. I was glad to hear so many perspectives on how we can make the most of these programs," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "Career education and skills training can help millions of Americans join the middle class while strengthening our entire economy by providing businesses with the skilled workforce they need to compete. My bill, the Thompson-Krishnamoorthi Act, will increase funding for these programs while modernizing them to prepare students for the jobs of our 21st century economy."

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th District of Illinois, which includes Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs. He serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. In addition, Raja serves as the ranking member, and top Democrat, on the Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits, and Administrative Rules. Krishnamoorthi served as an Illinois Special Assistant Attorney General in the public corruption unit and as Illinois Deputy Treasurer before becoming president of small businesses in the Chicago area focused on the national security and renewable energy sectors. He and his wife, Priya, a physician, live in Schaumburg with their two sons and baby daughter.