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Bill would fund Minnesota FFA arts and centennial projects — $350,000 per year proposed
Summary
The Minnesota FFA Foundation and Association requested funding for a multi‑year program tied to the organization’s 100‑year celebration, including a history book, video series and an in‑person arts celebration; the author said grants would be administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Representative John Buerkle presented House File 12‑59 seeking an ongoing appropriation of $350,000 per year for grants to the Minnesota FFA Foundation and Minnesota FFA Association to support arts, storytelling and centennial celebration activities leading to the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2029.
Val Arzvold, executive director of the Minnesota FFA Foundation, described a three‑part initiative that would produce a 100‑year history book, a video storytelling series and an in‑person arts celebration showcasing the intersection of agriculture and the arts. Arzvold said the project would preserve Minnesota agricultural history and reach audiences statewide through digital content and school and library placements.
Natasha Mortensen of the Minnesota FFA Association said the arts are interwoven with FFA history and highlighted past band and chorus participation; she described demand among students for arts opportunities and said the appropriation would expand access as school budgets tighten. Representative Buerkle said the Minnesota Department of Agriculture would create the grant criteria and oversee oversight.
No committee vote was recorded in the transcript.
Ending: Sponsors urged inclusion of the request in the legacy omnibus to support centennial activities that combine agriculture, arts and education.
