Michigan: Officials fear extension funding soon will be cut

Spread the love

After the state failed to issue MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, or MAES, their monthly payment, officials fear funding for these programs could be eliminated altogether.

The programs primarily are supported by state funding and were appropriated $64 million in the 2009-10 state higher education budget, which is awaiting Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s approval.

If the funding is eliminated, it could mean drastic cuts and possible extinction for the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Extension Director Tom Coon said.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources receives about 74 percent of its funding from MSU Extension and MAES. The programs also fund 82 extension offices and 15 research stations statewide, employing almost 3,000 workers.

“The work that we do generates new jobs by helping farms, helping businesses and helping young people become more successful through youth development,” Coon said. “There are parts of Michigan’s economy that aren’t growing. This is one that is. It’s actually generating new jobs.”

Don’t just sit there, do something!!!!


Contact your Michigan State Senator

Contact your Michigan House Rep

Have you read the breakthrough novel of the year? When you are done with that, try:

In Search of Sungudogo by Greg Laden, now in Kindle or Paperback
*Please note:
Links to books and other items on this page and elsewhere on Greg Ladens' blog may send you to Amazon, where I am a registered affiliate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps to fund this site.

Spread the love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *