RELEASE, Joint Statement Supporting FFA
Release, Joint Statement in Support of FFA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 3, 2026
REPRESENTATIVE GREGORY SMITH, SPEAKER JULIE FAHEY, ANDJOINT WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR TAWNA SANCHEZ ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT SUPPORTING FFA AND 4-H FUNDING
SALEM, OR. – Representative Gregory Smith (R-Heppner), Speaker Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene), and Representative Tawna Sanchez (D-North & NE Portland), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, today issued a joint statement affirming their strong bipartisan support for FFA and 4-H programs across Oregon.
The leaders emphasized the importance of these youth leadership, agricultural education, and workforce development programs and their commitment to working together to ensure they remain funded and supported statewide.
“FFA and 4-H help shape young Oregonians into responsible, hardworking leaders,” said Representative Smith. “These programs instill values that strengthen families, agriculture, and our local economies. This kind of investment rises above partisanship.”
“I was a 4-H member as a kid and can still recite the pledge from memory,” said Speaker Fahey. “Programs like 4-H and FFA give students hands-on skills, confidence, and a sense of community. Supporting them is an investment in Oregon’s future.”
“Today’s youth leadership programs, whether in agriculture, science, or service, deserve strong support,” said Representative Sanchez. “We are committed to working together to ensure FFA and 4-H are funded and accessible to students statewide.”
Representative Smith thanked Speaker Fahey and Representative Sanchez for their leadership and collaboration in demonstrating unified support for these programs. He added that he is proud to help provide stability and security to organizations like FFA and 4-H that play such an important role in the lives of Oregon’s youth.
Oregon House Bill 5204 has passed the Joint Ways and Means Committee on Capitol Construction and will be voted on by the full Joint Ways and Means Committee on March 3rd at 3:00 pm.
Representative Gregory Smith is the Republican Budget Leader who represents the entirety of Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler, and Wasco counties, and portions of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, and Umatilla Counties.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
(541) 993-5236
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