SPRINGFIELD – Building on her work to expand agriculture education, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure through the Senate to increase access to agricultural education programs across Illinois. 

“Our state’s agriculture industry provides various paths that can lead to good-paying jobs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Students deserve to have the opportunity to see the number of avenues within the ag industry.”

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.

“I’ve seen students who joined FFA after taking one agricultural education course,” said Turner. “When we expand access to the programs available, we are helping shape our future ag leaders.”

Senate Bill 3226 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.