Gov. Nixon Reallocates Funds to MU Extension after Proposed Cut

The legislature will have the final say on whether or not to pass proposal.

Jerilyn Johnson

Published: Feb 12, 2009

University of Missouri Extension staff and specialists across the state welcomed the news, but point out it is not enough. On Feb. 11, Governor Jay Nixon filed a governor's amendment to his FY 2010 budget proposal to increase the appropriation for MU and Lincoln University Extension programs by more than $10.1 million. The governor's initial FY 2010 recommendation, announced earlier this month, included a combined cut of $15.4 million for these programs.

"We appreciate any and all efforts to fully restore the MU Extension budget for next year," says Michael Ouart, vice-provost and director of MU Extension. "MU Extension should be treated no differently than all of public higher education in the state. MU Extension provides access to educational programs that are critical to the state's economy and the health and well-being of its citizens."

In making the announcement, Gov. Nixon noted that this larger appropriation was possible because his administration has identified surplus funds remaining after the construction at the new women's correctional facility at Chillicothe. During Gov. Nixon's budget review process, MU Extension programs were one of the last programs cut, so when Gov. Nixon identified these surplus finds, this was the first priority to be restored.

"This is not necessarily good news as [Gov. Nixon] has identified one-time money and Extension is an ongoing obligation," says Jerry Dowell, Missouri deputy lieutenant governor and a member of the Missouri 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. "It's a slippery slope." The 4-H Foundation helps MU Extension support 4-H programs.

The Missouri House appropriations committee will review the proposed FY 2010 budget and make recommendations in the next week or two. The recommendations are then given to the Missouri Senate, which has until May 8 to pass the final budget. Dowell and several leaders of state agricultural organizations indicate they think the Missouri Legislature will not back the new governor's proposed budget and will, instead, support full funding of MU Extension – at least to FY 2009 levels.

"Our legislators understand the important role of MU Extension and how its educational programs touch urban people as well as agriculture people across the state," Dowell says. He adds that all the phone calls, e-mails and media interviews from 4-H leaders, Extension agents and staff in Columbia since the governor announced the initial $15.4 million budget cut, has provided valuable updates, and informed new legislators not as familiar with MU Extension.

"During these difficult economic times, we've had to make tough choices about which priorities state government will be able to fund, and I will always remain committed to the principle that here in Missouri, we pay as we go," Gov. Nixon said. "Extension programs provide important services for Missourians, and I'm pleased that we have the opportunity to allocate additional resources to fund their work."

Overall, because of the ongoing economic crisis, Gov. Nixon cut or eliminated 50 state programs and 1,300 state employees to balance his FY 2010 budget proposal.