JFAC hears CTE budget briefing; committee told workforce programs face waitlists, $10M request for capacity

Madam Chair and members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard an overview of the Division of Career Technical Education(CTE) budget and FY2026 requests during the committee's Feb. 10 meeting, where analysts and agency leaders said demand for applied-technical programs continues to outpace capacity.

Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented the base budget and a summary of FY2026 requests for CTE, listing several funds used by the division and itemizing recent appropriations and enhancement requests. Joshua Whitworth, serving as interim state administrator for CTE and executive director for the State Board, answered committee questions about program demand, workforce partnerships and planned use of requested funds.

The overview said CTE operates programs in secondary schools, six technical colleges and adult-education and workforce centers; it relies on multiple funds that have statutory restrictions. Campbell described three funds by name and purpose: the Displaced Homemaker Fund (revenue from a $20 fee on divorces, directed to career training at Centers for New Directions), the Hazardous Materials and Waste Enforcement Fund (revenue from…