House Republican Press Release

August 19, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Sen. Russo, Rep. Rowe Pass Law Benefiting Trumbull Agriscience School

Governor Rell Joins Legislators in Ceremony at Trumbull Agriscience 

TRUMBULL, CT – In a ceremony today at Trumbull Agriscience School, Governor M. Jodi Rell signed a bill (HB 5869) that expands educational opportunities in Connecticut for students pursuing careers in agriculture.  Governor Rell was joined at the ceremony by two of the bill’s chief co-sponsors, State Senator Robert D. Russo (R-Bridgeport, Monroe, and Trumbull) and State Representative T.R. Rowe (R-Trumbull).

“The Trumbull Agriscience School is a perfect venue to highlight the importance of this new law, which will open doors for more high school students interested in pursuing careers in agriculture.  For years this facility has been the region’s gold-standard for agricultural-science programs, and this new law will help to ensure that enrollment remains strong for years to come,” said Sen. Russo.  

“It was very nice that all of our hard work was rewarded, and it is the students who will benefit,” said Rep. Rowe.  “We are delighted to show off this first class facility and our great educators to Governor Rell today, and we are grateful to have her signature on this bill.”

The new law requires school districts that do not offer vocational agriculture training to provide enrollment opportunities for its students in one or more centers in other districts. 

“Agriculture is a vital part of our economy and we must ensure its future by keeping each generation interested and well-trained in the industry,” Governor Rell said. “This bill will allow more students to benefit from our state-of-the-art agriculture science programs.”

Including Trumbull’s, there are currently 19 Connecticut high schools designated as regional vocational agriculture centers.  The programs prepare students for careers in agriculture, aquaculture and related industries. The law also changes the name for education offered at these centers from vocational agriculture to agricultural science and technology education.

“Connecticut has a rich agricultural heritage. For such a small state we make the most of what we have. It is big business here and contributes more than $2 billion a year to our economy,” the Governor said.  “The seeds of its successes are sown in the many agriculture education programs available to Connecticut students.”

House Bill 5869, An Act Concerning Agricultural Science and Technology Education, took effect July 1.