Assemblymember Ransom’s Push Unlocks Millions for Skilled Career Pathways

SACRAMENTO, CA - For years, millions of dollars approved by the state for Career Technical Education (CTE) were left unused because of a faulty allocation formula, even as school districts were forced to scale back hands-on career training programs. Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom introduced AB 1590 to fix that problem by ensuring CTE dollars already approved by the state actually reach students, classrooms, and local career education programs.

After Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom introduced AB 1590 to fix the allocation formula, the bill became a priority for the California Legislative Women's Caucus. Now, just weeks before the June 19 application deadline for CTE Incentive Grant funding, the Department of Finance, State Board of Education, and California Department of Education have agreed to update the formula for the current grant cycle. The change puts districts across California on track to recover millions in CTE funding lost under the old formula, helping restore hands-on learning and pathways to skilled careers at a time when rising college costs and workforce shortages are making career education more important than ever.

"California must honor its commitment to preparing students for success by fully funding Career Technical Education. That's why I introduced AB 1590 to fix the funding allocation formula and invest more dollars in our students and classrooms. After raising my concerns directly with the Governor, I am pleased to see the state take action to update the formula so more CTE dollars can be released. This change is a major step forward, and AB 1590 will ensure California's commitment is clear in law."

-Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom

Over the past five years, nearly $120 million in state-approved CTE funding has gone unused. In 2025 alone, $13 million in CTE Incentive Grant funding was left on the table while districts across the state were forced to scale back career education programs. The formula update is expected to allow the full $450 million CTEIG appropriation to be distributed in one round.

AB 1590 is still advancing through the Legislature to put this fix into statute and ensure the change is not limited to a one-time agreement.