Small Business and Career & Technical Education Bill Advances in the House
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Mar 6, 2025

On March 5, 2025, the House Small Business Committee voted unanimously to favorably advance the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025 (H.R. 1642). The legislation, introduced by Chair of the Small Business Committee, Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25), aims to strengthen the workforce pipeline by facilitating connections between small businesses and graduates of career and technical education (CTE) programs. PRINTING United Alliance supports H.R. 1642 and encourages the full House to pass the bipartisan bill. 

The bill would amend the Small Business Act to require small business development centers (SBDCs) and women’s business centers (WBCs) to incorporate CTE graduates into their existing support networks and business development initiatives. By doing so, the legislation seeks to enhance employment opportunities for skilled workers while addressing labor shortages that many small businesses face. 

SBDCs provide consulting, training, and workshops to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners, assisting them with various aspects of running their business. Most SBDCs are funded by a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local governments, allowing them to offer services at minimal or no cost to clients.  

WBCs provide female entrepreneurs with a network of support to start and grow their business. While not directly operated by the SBA, WBCs are part of the SBA's network and are overseen by the Office of Women's Business Ownership. Like SBDCs, WBCs offer free or low-cost services to clients.  

The American workforce lacks an adequate number of workers in key industries, including the printing industry. Fewer students are pursuing careers in arts and graphic communications at a time when the older Americans who provide these services are retiring. Graduates of CTE programs have the skills that print service providers need, such as expertise in technology, machinery, automation and digitalization, and communications. This legislation will connect those businesses and the students seeking to land the good-paying jobs for which they have trained. Additionally, it would encourage partnerships between local businesses and educational institutions, fostering economic growth and innovation in communities across the country. 

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed support for the measure, highlighting its potential to bridge the skills gap and create new employment opportunities. The bill now moves to the full House for further consideration.  

The Government Affairs team will continue to work with our coalition partners to advance key legislative priorities, including H.R. 1642, that aims to help small businesses, the backbone of our economy, grow.   

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org. 

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org. 

 

Congressional Updates Education Legislation
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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