UPDATE (May 19, 2017 3:35 p.m.): The state Department of Food and Agriculture released the following statement regarding proposed budget cuts to FFA:
"This week I have heard from many of you about the status of the $15.4 million allocated at the state level for career technical education and the FFA program. Please be assured, Governor Brown remains committed to ongoing funding for these programs funded through the California Department of Education. While one-time funding was used to support these programs in the current year - the Governor is committed to ongoing funding for these programs for 2017-18 and beyond. I look forward to working with you to get this done and meeting many more of the wonderful students who are the beneficiaries of these programs."
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Nearly $48 million that had been dedicated for FFA and career technical training is on the chopping block for the next budget year.
The potential cuts have caused concern among local high school students and teachers.
Each year FFA affects thousands of students providing them with hands on opportunities.
