On Jan. 27 Governor Jay Nixon's budget for Fiscal Year 2010 was released, raising alarm within the University of Missouri Extension. The original FY2010 budget proposed a $14.6 million cut to the University of Missouri Extension — a 50 percent reduction in state funding. Good news came on Feb. 11, however, when the governor amended his proposal, "finding" an extra $10 million, but still leaving the Extension's budget cut at $5 million.
David Burton, University of Missouri Extension Civic Communication Specialist in Greene County admitted that the numbers are ever-changing, but at press time, the budget cut stood at $5 million.
In FY2009, the Extension had a $96 million budget, although partnerships with other levels of government make the numbers more complicated. MU Extension operates through partnerships on the federal, state and local levels. State dollars to Extension are used to “match” $17 million in grants and contracts, as well as leverage other multiple resources at federal and local levels of government. For every dollar lost in state funding, Extension will be less able to leverage additional dollars.
As an example, in FY2008: State funding to Extension was $27,173,801 and leveraged funding was $41,583,063. For every $1 received from the state, MU Extension generates an additional $3 from other sources to support educational programs. Further "Economic Impact" studies of Extension programs statewide show that every $1 million invested in MU Extension programs statewide generates $27.7 million in economic impact, including: $24.7 million in new jobs, sales and investments, $1.2 million reduction in families’ medical costs and $1.8 million in increased tax revenues.
As many of you already know, the Extension is very active with local farmers in developing programs and offering information and support.
As for local impact, David Burton said, “Right now, Extension administration is trying to communicate information to our clients regarding the impact of a cut. No local cuts have been made yet and won't be until after we know what the state budget allocation to MU is going to be for the next budget cycle.”
Burton said the impact of cuts goes deeper than just the initial cut. Much of the Extension money comes from grants. “Our ability to get grants is dependent on having faculty to write and carry out the grant initiatives. There are no positions in extension paid 100 percent by the state, so no matter what position you cut it has an impact on some other funding source. Once you impact that other source you are open to loss of funds there as well. Finally, you know very well that a loss in faculty and staff presence at the local level could translate into lost funding at the county level.”
As always here at Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, when we know more, you’ll know more.
