MASSBUDGET REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ABE!
MassBudget's newly released budget report "An Unstable Ladder: How the Fiscal Crisis is Threatening Education and Work Support Programs for Many Women" examines state support of higher education, adult basic education, employment training and childcare - describing how these programs work, why they are important to the participation of women in the workforce and the strain the economic crisis has placed on them.   According to the report, cuts to the ABE system affect women in Massachusetts looking to improve their career opportunities. Women make up 61 percent of ABE enrollment. In the FY2001 budget the state appropriated $30.2 million for ABE programs. In FY2010, ABE programs are being funded at $28.1 million.  When adjusted for inflation, however, ABE funding has actually decreased by 25 percent over the past decade.  To read the full report please click here.

WIA REAUTHORIZATION Adult Basic Education in Massachusetts currently receives about $10 million from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title II. WIA is due to be reauthorized this year. The US Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) is soliciting testimony to inform the reauthorization process. In the testimony that MCAE submiltted, we emphasized that Title II is an educational program, best administered through US Department of Education. We also wanted the reauthorization to continue to allow the diversity of providers that we currently have in Massachusetts. We are also recommending that the Title II appropriation be $850 million, an increase of nearly $300 million from current levels. To view the testimony that MCAE has submitted to the US DOE, OVAE, click here. If you want to submit testimony to OVAE, email it to WIAconversations@ed.gov by January 23, 2010.