TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizonar -- A delegation of Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from across the nation recently converged on Capitol Hill, advocating for the Secure Rural Schools Act. Students from 11 states met with each of their state delegates, and collectively with staff from the Speaker of the House Michael Johnson's office, to discuss the passage of this bill.

H.R. 1383, titled "Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025," was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 14, 2025. It aims to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Links to the acts are below.

Currently, many of the provisions for secure payments to states and counties with federal land were set to expire in 2023. H.R. 1383 proposes to push these deadlines to 2026. It also includes provisions for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, including a commitment for prompt payments from the Secretary of the Treasury within 45 days of the bill's enactment.

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One of the FFA groups was brought by Superintendent Sean Rickert from Pima High School in Arizona. Mr. Rickert is also the current NREA Foundation President and the President of the Arizona Rural Schools Association. He explains that SRSA funding has been critical in improving education for rural students in his district:

"We have used the money received from SRSA to support students taking college classes while in high school. Many of these kids are the first in their families to ever earn college credits. SRSA funding is opening a world of opportunities, reshaping their lives and the lives of future generations. This is the story Pima High School students will deliver to speaker Johnson and our congressional delegation, as we ask them to reauthorize funding for the Secure Rural Schools Act. Hopefully our elected leaders in Washington are willing to listen."

NREA President-Elect Dr. Bill Chapman was also along for the ride. As Superintendent of London ISD in Texas, he shared his pride in the representatives from his district:

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"These students, their FFA Advisors, and their superintendents did a great job advocating for Rural Schools. Yes, they are my kiddos!"

NREA Executive Director Melissa Sadorf was also able to join this rural delegation.

"What an amazing opportunity for rural schools advocacy," said Dr. Sadorf. "Thank you to these dedicated young people and their school districts for showing up, and to the state delegates and Mr. Johnson's office for taking the time to meet with us."

This visit was a powerful experience for the students, faculty, and NREA representatives to advocate directly for our rural schools and communities at the national level. We urge Congress to pass the Secure Rural Schools Act to ensure continued quality education for rural students.