Sacramento Scene: Balancing the Budget Amidst a $31.5 Billion Gap By Matt Patton

The California State Constitution requires that the Governor submit a balanced budget proposal by January 10. This budget is built based on the projected economic status of the state for the upcoming year. By May 14, the Governor must submit a revised budget based on more current economic indicators. This revised budget is dubbed the “May Revise.” The Governor and state lawmakers (Senate and Assembly members) will spend the next several weeks negotiating the final spending plan for the coming fiscal year. The legislature must pass a budget by midnight of June 15, and the Governor must sign it by June 30. California’s estimated budget deficit has grown by $9 billion since January. Overall, that equates to a $31.5 billion gap in the 2023-2024 state budget. Governor Newsom says his budget plan will cover the deficit and protect investments in education, health care, and housing (Cal Matters May 2023). Newsom’s plan to cover the gap includes the following tactics: Shifting billions of commitments out of general funds Paying for programs with bonds Pulling money from unused funds Borrowing from special funds Increasing taxation on managed care health plans The Governor and leaders from the two legislative houses will negotiate the details prior to the June 15 deadline. Despite the shortfall, California’s budget is projected to be $306 billion, less than a 1% decrease from last year’s total (Cal Matters May 2023). Below are bills directly related to agricultural education and Career Technical Education that CATA is tracking: AB 377 (Muratsuchi and McCarty) – If passed, this bill would consolidate the K12-Strong Workforce Program and the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program (CTEIG). If consolidated, $450 million would be allocated to CTEIG annually. AB 377 passed the Assembly Floor on an 80-0 vote and now moves on to the Senate. This proposal is also part of the Assembly budget packet and is rumored to be agreed upon by the Senate. If all that is true, the proposal becomes part of the three-way negotiation with the two houses and the Governor. SB 531 (Ochoa Bogh) – Proposed amendments to Section 45125.1 of the Education Code relating to pupil safety. This bill would modify the criminal records summary requirements for work-based learning sites if passed. A student work-based learning site would be acceptable with the following documentation: Signed parent or guardian consent One supervisor in the workplace with a valid criminal records summary A school staff representative making at least one visitation to the worksite every three weeks     AB 1189 (Gibson) – If passed beginning in 2024-2025, a school district with grades 7 to 12 would be required to offer career technical education to all pupils in those grades. AB 1189 has progressed through the legislative process and is currently on a two-year track, positioning it for consideration in the 2023-2024 legislative cycle. AB 938 (Muratsuchi) – If passed, this bill would raise public school teacher pay by 50% by 2030. In addition, districts would receive an increase in Prop 98 money to cover salaries. This bill has moved through the Senate and is now in the Assembly Appropriations. AB 554 (Gabriel) – This bill, if passed, would allow nonprofit public benefit corporations to bring civil actions against claims alleging a violation of "any law related to or affecting animals." This bill has been moved to a two-year bill, so it will extend into the next legislative cycle.

Connecting with Your Local Farm to School Initiatives: A Starter Pack By Jade Frederickson

I did not grow up participating in Farm to School programs or agricultural education. I didn’t even know the latter existed in a formal manner until I entered graduate school. Nonetheless, I have worked on a few vegetable production farms and, at some point, learned about 4-H programming and Extension services. Now, as an adult ingrained in this work, I can also recall standing in the cafeteria line as an energetic, inquisitive fourth grader wondering about the signs that read, “Enjoy fresh apples and apple cider from our very own local Pine Tree Apple Orchard!” As a current graduate student at the University of Georgia, I could spout off any number of facts about Farm to School, but if I had to keep it short, I would tell you Farm to School is an educational program aimed at introducing, familiarizing, and teaching students about the connections between agriculture, food, nutrition, and the environment (National Farm to School Network, 2021). Conceptually, Farm to School operates as a three-component program, where school gardens, local procurement in the cafeteria, and nutrition education work together to disseminate the above mission. For example, agricultural education teachers or science teachers could use the garden to demonstrate the plant life cycle or talk about soil health, while math teachers could use the garden to teach basic counting and measuring skills (DeMarco et al., 1999; Ozer, 2007). Farm to School benefits more than just students and schools. Farmers and communities profit because farmers can sell their products to schools, which in turn bolsters the local economy (Food and Nutrition Service, 2022). Local farms can also serve as sites for field trips, local produce in the cafeteria can encourage schools to conduct taste tests, and children can make connections with community organizations. Other Farm to School activities include using local foods in the National School Lunch Program, having farmers visit the schools themselves, and using USDA-provided education materials in programming.

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CATA Summer Conference Updates

Supporting Future Agricultural Educators - CATA Scholarship Silent Auction

The California Agricultural Teachers' Association (CATA) is proud to offer a scholarship program exclusively for student teachers during their student teaching experience.This scholarship is made possible through the generous donations of our agricultural teachers, with a significant portion raised during the silent auction held at our Summer Conference. The auction showcases a variety of items, including student and teacher-made projects, gift baskets, quilts, furniture, and more. To contribute to the silent auction, please bring your donated items to the Farm and Idea Show on Tuesday, June 27, starting at 7:30 a.m. Don't forget to include a note with donor information. The silent auction begins at the Farm and Idea Show and concludes at the banquet on Wednesday night. For further information or inquiries, please contact Jim Shanks at Butte Valley High School (jshanks@bvalusd.org). Let's join together in San Luis Obispo to support and uplift the next generation of agricultural educators!

Calling All Innovative Educators: Showcase Your Ideas at the 2023 Idea Show

You are invited to participate in this year's Idea Show at the CATA Summer Conference, held on Tuesday, June 27. The Idea Show is a fantastic opportunity to share and celebrate your creative teaching ideas with fellow educators.  Choose from 11 categories for your great teaching ideas: Ag Production/Processing & Products Ag Mechanics Ornamental Horticulture/Plant Science Natural Resources/Rural Recreation/Forestry Ag Science/Farm Labs/UCCI Courses Department Operations FFA Operations SAE Working with Support Groups (i.e., Ag Advisory, Ag Boosters, etc.) Floral Design Ag Business/AET/Recordkeeping To enter the Idea Show, simply bring your entries to the Farm Shop (Building 09) on the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo campus between 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Please note that demos, class activities, handouts, and displays are all excellent ideas to showcase at the event. Remember, you can't win if you don't enter! Monetary awards await the winners: First Place: $20 Second Place: $15 Third Place: $10 Additionally, the entry selected as the overall outstanding idea will be awarded an additional cash prize of $50. So don't miss out on the chance to be recognized for your innovative ideas and receive well-deserved appreciation for your hard work. Let's come together to celebrate the spirit of innovation and excellence in agricultural education!

Exciting Announcement: Join Us for the 5K For FFA This October!

Save the date for the third annual 5K For FFA, presented by Molina Healthcare of California, happening this October! As agriculture teachers, your key role in organizing this event is invaluable. From October 8-14, participants can join the flexible run-where-you-are race. This inclusive format allows engagement from any location, making it accessible to a wider audience. Stay tuned for registration details, coming soon! For event information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.calaged.org/5KFFA. The 5K For FFA is an excellent chance to involve your students, promote fitness, and raise funds for FFA programs. Let's unite to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.

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Virtual Proficiency Writing Workshop: Empowering Students in Application Writing

Are you an educator looking to guide your students in writing their own proficiency applications? Join Texas agricultural educator, Jeff Klose, for a virtual proficiency writing workshop and empower your students to write their own proficiency applications.  Attendees will receive four winning state and national applications, and learn new strategies to help students stay motivated during the application process. Gain valuable insights into the writing and revision process through a step-by-step analysis of a student's application. Please note that this workshop is not affiliated with National FFA or Texas FFA but aims to support fellow ag teachers in their journey to success. The virtual workshop will be held on June 17, 2023, conducted via Google Meet. Can't attend the live session? Don't worry, a recording of the entire workshop will be shared via email with all registered participants. Secure your spot with a $50 registration fee. For further inquiries and registration, please contact Jeff Klose at jeffrey.klose@canyonisd.net.

National FFA News and Updates Compiled by Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School Ag Teacher and National FFA Teacher Ambassador

National FFA Call for Judges Become a National FFA Organization judge and connect with FFA members nationwide! Help select national finalists and winners in various categories. Virtual and in-person opportunities are available from July to November. Express your interest by filling out a brief form with no commitment required. Join us for an exciting judging experience and make a difference in the lives of FFA members. Complete the short interest form today! New Resource: Retiring Address Lesson Plans Retiring Address lesson plans from the 95th National FFA Convention are now available! These engaging lessons provide a unique opportunity for your students to explore and reflect upon the powerful messages delivered by the 2021-2022 National Officer Team during their Retiring Addresses. Watch the videos together and engage your students with thought-provoking worksheets that delve into themes like service, overcoming challenges, belonging, and living life to the fullest. Find the lessons and accompanying resources here. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to inspire your students with the wisdom shared by our outstanding National Officer Team. Program of Activities Guide: The 2022 National Chapter Awards Edition Unleash your FFA chapter's potential with this comprehensive resource highlighting the activities of nationally recognized chapters. Find innovative ideas and proven strategies to elevate your programming efforts. From leadership workshops to community service initiatives, this guide provides invaluable support for crafting unforgettable experiences. Get your copy today! Help Recruit Former Members to Work Behind the Scenes at National Convention Give your former students the chance of a lifetime to work behind the scenes at the upcoming National Convention Newsroom this November. As multimedia journalists or radio reporters, they'll witness the captivating story of FFA firsthand. Imagine the impact—connecting with passionate individuals, gaining industry experience, and contributing to FFA's mission. Visit FFA.org for details.

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Thank You Corporate Members! The California Ag Teachers Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.

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