Growing Opportunities in Agriculture Act; GO Ag Act
Summary
The Growing Opportunities in Agriculture Act (GO Ag Act) aims to bolster agricultural education in secondary schools by directing the Secretary of Education to award grants for new programs. These grants, not exceeding $100,000 each, will support curriculum development, equipment purchases, and other related costs. The Act authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 to be available through fiscal year 2028.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the GO Ag Act will likely increase the number of agricultural education programs available in secondary schools. This could lead to a greater interest in agricultural careers among students. The Act also emphasizes coordination with existing career and technical education programs and alignment with regional employer needs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to agricultural education for secondary school students.
- Potential for a more skilled workforce in the agricultural sector.
- Support for curriculum development and acquisition of necessary equipment.
- Coordination with existing career and technical education programs.
- Alignment of programs with regional, state, and local employer needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited funding may restrict the number of grants awarded.
- The grant application process could be burdensome for some eligible entities.
- The requirement for independent evaluation and annual reporting may add administrative overhead.
- The reliance on competitive grants may disadvantage schools in under-resourced areas.
- Potential for programs to struggle after the grant period if sustainable funding is not secured.
Constitutional Alignment
The GO Ag Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Specifically, it promotes education, which can be argued as contributing to the general welfare. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States, which could be interpreted to allow for the funding of educational programs like those outlined in the Act.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).