LEGISLATIVE GOALS
2008-2009

1. MS ACTE commends the Legislature for supporting proposed salary increases in the previous Legislative Session and recommends continued efforts to adjust the salaries of career and technical educators to be consistent with the Southeastern average and industry.

2. MS ACTE recommends that the Office of Vocational and Technical Education be funded in the amount of $126,000,000 from the general fund and other funding sources.

3. MS ACTE recommends the equipment funding for Occupational Skills programs in the amount of $5,000,000.

4. MS ACTE recommends continuation of the requirement that the Associate State Superintendent of Vocational Technical Education meet the administrative certification standards set forth in the state licensure manual.

5. MS ACTE recommends funding health insurance for state employees retiring after 25 years of service.

6. MS ACTE recommends funding for the C. M. Brewer FFA Leadership Center budget in the amount of $150,000. The FFA Center is used by all vocational student organizations.

7. MS ACTE recommends increased funding in the amount of $400,000 for extended contracts of secondary teachers for the purpose of enhancing economic development.

8. MS ACTE recommends that scholarship funds be made available for current vocational/technical instructors who are pursuing appropriate course work beyond initial licensure.

9. MS ACTE recommends continuation of funding of workforce training and development to enable the community and junior colleges to prepare and upgrade the workforce for the new millennium.

10. MS ACTE supports pay raises for the state staff and vocational staff.

11. MS ACTE recommends continued support for salary supplements and incentives for the National Board Certified Teachers.

12. MS ACTE recommends funding in the amount of $3,000,000 for the purpose of establishing and equipping new programs in vocational and technical education.