As FFA Week is recognized and Illinois schools promote their programs, many chapters might be wishing Governor Bruce Rauner had paid more attention to National FFA Week activities.

As area chapters are celebrating career opportunities and leadership training in agriculture, the governor's budget proposal would zero out the agricultural education line item, which provides $1.8 million annually to support these kinds of programs.

The FFA programs are designed to invest in the youth and offer challenges for them to succeed.

A former Illinois FFA State President who credits the organization with many of the leadership skills he uses in making decisions today said the return on investment when it comes to this funding is significant.

FFA leaders are encouraged by proposed general state aid increases and efforts like Vision 2020, but there's hope agriculture education funding can also be maintained.

94.1 WGFA