PORT BYRON, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, met with area members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) during their annual lobby day in Springfield on Tuesday.
"The FFA is a wonderful organization that helps prepare our students for leaderships in one of the many sectors of the agricultural industry in our modern economy," Smiddy said. "I'm proud that the FFA remains strong in our area, and I was pleased to talk with members in Springfield to learn about any way I can support their important mission."
The Illinois FFA was founded in 1929. FFA students traveled to Springfield on Tuesday to talk with legislators to encourage them to support the agricultural education portion of the state’s budget. The day after their visit, Governor Rauner announced his plan to completely eliminate state funding for agriculture education statewide.
“I will fight for the resources we need to keep Illinois a leader in agriculture, despite attacks from politicians from Chicagoland who don’t understand the value of FFA, farming and our agricultural industry,” Smiddy said. “I will continue to work with my colleagues from both parties and all areas of the state to preserve the vital priorities that keep our state’s economy growing.”
