Notes from the Republican ConventionJason Altmire and Jordan Wicker with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

By Dr. Jason Altmire, President and CEO, Career Education Colleges and Universities

CECU is well represented at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee as Jordan Wicker and I have been making the rounds, both in the convention hall and the countless ancillary meetings and policy discussions that always take place around these gatherings. These conventions happen every four years, bringing together party leaders, policymakers, and the media for the four-day event. CECU is able to take full advantage of the opportunity to meet with policymakers at all levels of government, including those who may be taking high-level roles in the next presidential administration. 

What has been immediately evident and immensely gratifying is the universal understanding of job training and the role career education plays in solving the workforce shortage and filling the skills gap across many different professions. Nearly everyone we have talked to in a leadership role has understood the significant problem facing employers in finding enough skilled workers, and the need to support public policy initiatives to assist students pursuing that career path.

Jason and Jordan with Georgia Governor Brian KempJordan and I spent a good part of Monday meeting with Republican governors to discuss workforce needs and the value of career schools. Each was immediately conversant in the issue, talking about key initiatives underway in their states to support workforce development. CECU has taken a more active role in recent years in coordinating the work of state associations with our work at the federal level. This work has shown tangible signs of success, especially in the states that are part of CECU’s network of state affiliates in the Alliance for Career Education in the States (ACES). We will follow up with these governors and their key staff to continue the discussion and address the unique issues our schools face in each state.

On Tuesday, we split up and were able to attend a variety of meetings and events related to the convention. Jordan had the chance to visit with several prominent GOP leaders, including Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), chairman of the political committee that oversees allJordan with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson Republican efforts to support congressional candidates nationwide. The discussion was helpful in informing our decisions on how best to allocate the financial resources of our political action committee, CECU PAC. With your help, we have already raised and contributed nearly $400,000 to congressional candidates whom we know we can count on to support our schools and students. You can click here to learn more about how to help support these efforts.

Jordan also met with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), an influential member of the House leadership and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), among others. This shows the value of CECU being visible at these conventions, as we are able to convey our priorities and build relationships with important decision-makers who can influence the debate on our issues. 

Jason with Louisiana Rep. Julie EmersonTuesday morning, I had the unique opportunity to participate in two international town hall meetings organized by the U.S. State Department and the nations of India and South Africa. Each discussion was bipartisan, as I was joined for one by former Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL), and for the other by Louisiana Representative and convention delegate Julie Emerson (R-LA). We fielded questions from students, business leaders, citizens, and diplomats from those countries, where there is great interest in this year’s American elections. It was a gratifying experience and I enjoyed the discussions. I’ll be doing something similar with the State Department during the Democratic National Convention in August. 
 
Jason with David UrbanMy overall impression of the event so far is driven by the clearly evident optimism and unity displayed by Republicans in attendance. As is usually the case at these universally partisan gatherings, the attendees express a certainty that their side is going to win and President Trump will get a second term in the White House. We’ll see what the future holds, but to those here in Milwaukee, there is no doubt. This has led to a predictable round of parlor talk and rumors about who might fill out a potential Trump cabinet, and which policies might take precedence as the new administration gets started. While we take these discussions with the requisite grain of salt, we use these conversations as a way to gather further intelligence and to best position CECU and our members for whatever comes next in the world of politics.