Ag Education Expansion Proposed

State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to increase availability of agricultural education programs across Illinois.

“Agriculture is the economic engine of our state,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “From Chicago to Southern Illinois, agriculture plays a role in each and every corner of our state. Students should have the opportunity to know what programs are available.”

Senate Bill 3226 would require the Illinois State Board of Education to submit a report on the status and availability of agricultural education programs statewide. The report would include trends, challenges and barriers, opportunities for expansion, and recommendations to better align agricultural education with workforce and post-secondary opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.

Turner has passed several laws expanding agriculture education, including House Bill 2802, which allows students to participate in other work-based learning activities, like FFA and 4-H, to count toward the daily calculation of school hours. Additionally, Turner passed Senate Bill 1605 last year which ensures agriculture education teachers are compensated for their extra hours of work.

“As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’ve worked to expand ag education so students have the opportunity to see the various avenues and careers the industry has to offer,” said Turner. “I’m committed to continuing to grow Illinois’ agriculture industry, and that begins with training our future ag leaders.”

Senate Bill 3226 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.