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Hatch Introduces Bill Giving Utah Leaders Flexibility with Career and Technical Education Programs
Washington, D.C.—Today, Senator Hatch, R-Utah, the former Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, introduced a bill to allow states more flexibility in determining how, when, and where to spend their money on career and technical education (CTE) programs.
“When it comes to education reform, my first priority has always been to give Utah’s local education leaders as much decision-making power as possible,” Hatch said. “As Utah grows as a leader in business and innovation, this bill will allow teachers to tailor career and technical education (CTE) curricula to meet their students’ needs. In contrast to the one-size-fits all CTE approach, our legislation allows schools to customize these cutting-edge programs as they see fit. By empowering teachers in the classroom, they will be better equipped to prepare students for the demands of an increasingly competitive global economy.”
Under current law, in order for states to receive full federal funds each year, their CTE expenditures must be equal to or greater than their expenditures in the preceding year. This requirement—known as a Maintenance of Effort requirement—has stifled innovation by limiting a school’s ability to eliminate failing programs. The requirement also provides little incentive for schools to create new programs.
“More than 150,000 Utah secondary students are enrolled in career and technology courses. It is a very important part of our school system and it is vital to our future,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson. “We are grateful to Sen. Hatch for his leadership in allowing all states, including Utah, more flexibility in operating these programs to best meet our student needs and our economic needs.”
Senator Hatch’s bill helps achieve more flexibility for states in three important ways:
Just wanted to send around a quick note.
While working together on the subject of health care reform, President Trump asked Senator Hatch if there might be a Utahn that can speak directly to the problems many in our state have faced as a result of Obamacare. Senator Hatch referred the President to Box Elder County Commissioner Stan Summers and the two met yesterday at the White House.
Here’s an article from the Ogden Standard Examiner that provides a bit more background on Stan’s work and advocacy on Health Care issues.
The White House shared Stan's powerful story on Twitter tonight.
Here’s a statement from the Hatch office on the meeting:
"Senator Hatch is thrilled to see the President seeking input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including Utahns, on the subject of Obamacare repeal. In his conversations with the President, Senator Hatch suggested he meet with Box Elder County Commissioner Stan Summers, who has worked with the Senator on a number of critical health-related issues. As a well-regarded community leader and someone who has personally experienced the negative effects of Obamacare, Stan understands the needs of everyday Utahns, including the obstacles they face in obtaining quality, affordable healthcare. Stan will offer the President an invaluable perspective on the shortcomings of Obamacare and how we can fix them going forward.”
Thanks!
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Hatch, Griffith Introduce Legislation to Improve Firearm Transportation Laws
Washington, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) have introduced legislation to address a critical gap in U.S. law related to the transportation of firearms. Under current regulations, many law-abiding Americans unwittingly violate disparate rules governing the transportation of firearms across state lines. Hatch and Griffith’s bills would amend the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 to clarify a number of key provisions. In introducing the legislation, Hatch was joined by several Senate co-sponsors, including James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
“This bill safeguards our Second Amendment rights by strengthening federal protections for responsible gun owners travelling across state lines,” Hatch said. “By amending the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act of 1986, this commonsense proposal puts an end to the harassment of upstanding citizens who happen to stay overnight, fuel up, or stop for an emergency during their travels in another state.”
“I believe it is important to defend the Second Amendment right of law-abiding gun owners,” said Griffith. “Current federal law or the Second Amendment of the Constitution should neither be misinterpreted nor ignored to prevent law-abiding, responsible gun owners from traveling throughout the country with firearms so long as they are in compliance with federal law while in transit.”
National Rifle Association:
“On behalf of the NRA’s five-million members and law-abiding gun owners across the country, I want to thank Sen. Hatch and Congressman Griffith for sponsoring legislation to ensure that those who legally transport their firearms, ammunition and magazines are protected from harassment and prosecution,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action. “This legislation will restore the intent of Congress to protect law-abiding Americans who exercise their fundamental Second Amendment rights when they travel.”
National Shooting Sports Foundation:
“Senator Hatch and Representative Griffith’s bill addresses a critical gap in all Americans' abilities to exercise their Second Amendment rights and participate in hunting and shooting sports across state lines,” said Lawrence Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “We support this legislation because it will ensure that law-abiding gun owners will not unwittingly be in violation of varying state laws when they travel across state lines to hunt or participate in a shooting sports activities.”
Background
Transportation of Firearms or Ammunition: Replaces the text of USC 18 Section 926A to provide that:
