The removal of one relatively small line item in the state's proposed fiscal 2017 budget has caused members of the Illinois General Assembly to be visited by one of the most effective lobbying organizations in the state – high school students wearing blue and gold.

 

“They really love to see our blue-and-gold jackets, and they know, 'Oh, those are FFA members coming through,' said Illinois FFA (which stands for Future Farmers of America) secretary Susie Thompson of Burlington. “It's really cool that we're known for that. But a lot of times all it takes is sharing our story, finding common ground, and explaining why having ag ed is important for us.”

 

“They come in with a strategy, they tell you what they need,” said Rep. Mike Smiddy, a Quad Cities-area Democrat. “I tell you, these kids are very impressive.”

 

At stake is $1.8 million for the FFA's Facilitating Coordination in Agriculture Education program, a staff of six people who work directly with existing local FFA chapters and who also help build new chapters. The program also includes some grant funding to help students with hands-on agriculture learning.

 

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