Assemblymember Gray: “FFA Funding Safe and Sound in Governor’s Proposed Budget”

After a successful fight to preserve state funds for FFA last year, Assemblymember Adam C. Gray (D-Merced), expressed his pleasure that Governor Brown’s proposed budget maintains funding for one of the state’s most successful career technical education programs.

“Last year students, parents, teachers, and whole agricultural communities rallied to protect FFA,” said Assemblymember Gray. “While we still want to keep an eye on the numbers going forward, it appears that this year FFA is safe and sound. Governor Brown and the policy makers in Sacramento have heard our message.”

After the state’s $4.1 million contribution to the Agricultural Education Incentive Grant was set to be cut, Assemblymember Gray co-authored legislation and joined negotiations with the Legislature and Governor to restore funding in the final budget. After a budget sub-committee restored the funding in the Assembly’s version of the budget, support never wavered before its passage in June.

“We had numerous conversations about the tremendous benefits of this program and its ability to provide productive and engaged students with real-life work experience,” continued Assemblymember Gray. “This funding is a testament to the hard work our community accomplished last year. The number one ag-producing state in the nation will continue to sponsor the number one ag-development program in our state.”
Assemblymember Gray cautioned that the battle may not be over.

“We will watch the budget process closely, and call on the coalition of supporters to rally again if necessary.”