FRHS students and McArthur FFA Officers, Lauren Giessner and Alexa Iniguez, went back to Washington D.C. this week with Principal, Liz Guerrero, as student representatives to help give a final push before the final voting on the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act.
The bill now awaits President Donald Trump's signature, after a passing vote of 399 to 5.
"Since 2000, the Secure Rural Schools program has compensated rural schools for the untaxed federal forests in their community, providing revenue that once came from timber sales. In 2024, it provided nearly $34 million to California counties, including heavily forested swaths of Northern California. But despite the bill’s broad, bipartisan support, Congress let it lapse in 2023."
Lauren and Alexa both spoke of her experience, having gone this week, as well as the trip back in October with FFA members from across the country.
Lauren said, "We were honored to have this opportunity to represent our chapter, our school, and our community. We spoke from our hearts, showing the passion we have for extracurricular activities and CTE programs like FFA, and the impact these organizations have on shaping who we are today and who we want to be in the future. It was amazing to see how our voices made a difference opening the eyes of representatives and even changing the minds of those who were skeptical at first."
Alexa agreed, stating, "We are both incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our personal stories with the House representatives and then witness the bill being signed. Being part of that process made me realize just how powerful student voices can be when we speak up about something that genuinely matters to us. I am proud of the role we played in supporting this funding that opens doors to many students."
We are so proud of our students for showing their passion and advocating for rural schools, and the programs and opportunities they provide!
Read the full article here!
https://edsource.org/2025/rural-schools-act-reauthorized/746851
