WASHINGTON -- Senator Chuck Grassley has introduced legislation to allow the minting of coins to commemorate the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) in 2014, in conjunction with the organization’s 85th anniversary.
Grassley said the FFA is part of the fabric of rural life and has proven its value in fostering excellence and achievement by young people nationwide. “The strong values and work ethic that are part of the tradition and thrive today in rural America are reflected by this organization, and these coins would honor the positive difference that FFA has made in the lives of young Americans, to the benefit of all Americans,” he said.
The commemorative coin legislation would require the U.S. Mint to issue 100,000 gold coins and 500,000 silver coins. After all operational and program costs incurred by the Treasury are recovered, then funds raised from the sale of coins would go to the National Future Farmers of American Foundation. As a result, there are no costs to the taxpayer. The FFA foundation would use its proceeds to enhance and expand FFA programs that develop leadership skills, encourage personal growth and foster career success through agricultural education.
The FFA organization was chartered by Congress, in 1950, and continues to be an intra-curricular educational organization within public school systems. Today, there are 523,309 members of FFA in 7,487 local chapters in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Grassley’s National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2011 (S.1181) is cosponsored by 16 senators, including Richard Lugar of Indiana, Chuck Schumer of New York, Tom Harkin of Iowa, Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, Mike Enzi of Wyoming, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Tom Udall of New Mexico, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Johnny Isakson of Georgia, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Mike Johanns of Nebraska, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Robert Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Herb Kohl of Wisconsin and Mark Pryor of Arkansas.
Congress may authorize commemorative coins that celebrate aspects of American history and culture. According to the U.S. Mint, these coins are legal tender but they are not minted for general circulation. Each commemorative coin is produced by the U.S. Mint in limited quantity and is only available for a limited time. Since the current commemorative coin program began in 1982, more than $418 million in surcharges has been raised to help build new museums, maintain national monuments such as the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites including George Washington's home, and support Olympic programs, for example.
Here is the text of legislation proposed for the FFA. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.