WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: 10 Organizations, Trade Groups and a School District Endorse Senator Moody’s Efforts to Fund Vocational Training

Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About Search for: Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About All News WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: 10 Organizations, Trade Groups and a School District Endorse Senator Moody’s Efforts to Fund Vocational Training Aug 24, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator Ashley Moody’s legislation to help ensure more educational opportunities for technical and trade students is gaining steam—receiving additional endorsements from major trade organizations. Senator Moody’s TRADES Act would increase what elite, multi-billion-dollar-endowment universities, such as Harvard and Yale, pay for their endowment income and redirect that money to career and technical education across the U.S. The Jobs and Careers Coalition—representing 33 business groups—American Dental Hygienists Association, Automotive Service Association and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association are joining the list of endorsements for Sen. Moody’s legislation. “It’s exciting that the TRADES Act is gaining steam—with The Jobs and Careers Coalition, American Dental Hygienists Association, Automotive Service Association and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association joining the list of major organizations endorsing the measure. My bill supports Floridians who want to learn in-demand trades or skills, increasing America’s commitment to training the next generation for meaningful career opportunities,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “ADHA supports congressional efforts to expand investments in career and technical education and urges Congress to ensure that dental hygiene education programs are included as eligible and prioritized recipients of any new workforce development funding. Dental hygienists are essential preventive oral health providers, and strengthening the dental hygiene workforce pipeline is critical to expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities,” said the American Dental Hygienists Association. “As I travel around the country and meet with automotive shop owners, the number one challenge our industry faces is attracting, developing, and retaining highly skilled automotive repair technicians. This legislation will help strengthen the workforce of tomorrow by investing in Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople, including automotive technicians. By expanding support for these programs, more students will have access to the hands-on training, skills, and opportunities they need to pursue rewarding, in-demand careers while helping meet our industry’s growing need for highly trained professionals,” said Automotive Service Association Chairman Dan Stander . “As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, the demand for highly trained technicians continues to outpace the available workforce. We believe targeted educational investments can transform lives while addressing critical workforce shortages. The TRADES Act would expand these opportunities by helping more individuals access the training they need to enter high demand careers. We appreciate Sen. Moody’s leadership in championing legislation that recognizes the value of skilled trades and addresses one of the most pressing workforce challenges facing the automotive industry today,” said National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Director of Government Relations & Compliance Patrick O’Brien. “While the need for a skilled workforce continues to grow, funding continues to lag. Perkins State Grants have increased slightly but Career and Technical Education programs must have the resources to meet greater demand. The Jobs and Careers Coalition supports Senator Moody’s TRADES Act as a reasonable way to fix the CTE funding shortfall. The Jobs and Careers Coalition is a Washington-based business group focused on job training and workforce development. Members include employers and employer associations from a broad range of industries experiencing skills mismatches and worker shortages who know greater investment in CTE is crucial for the U.S. economy,” said Jobs and Careers Coalition Executive Director Craig Brightup . The bill has already been endorsed by Hillsborough County Public Schools, The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, The Associated Equipment Distributors, The Automotive Service Association, The Associate General Contractors of America, and The Associated Industries of Florida. “As the seventh-largest school district in the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools serves more than 220,000 students and offers extensive career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers. Perkins funding is essential to supporting these programs by expanding access to industry-recognized credentials, modern equipment, work-based learning opportunities, and workfo