MSU Extension appeares to have been spared, but deals still being finalized in Lansing
With the tremendous outpouring of support for Michigan State University Extension and the agriculture experiment station, which were on the list of proposed state budget cuts, it appears deals have been struck which will preserve the programs.
On behalf of Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, State Budget Director Mary A. Lannoye presented Executive Order 2003-23 December 10 to a joint session of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in order to balance the fiscal year 2004 budget.
The recommended plan will cure the shortfall in the state?s General Fund budget of $483.6 million.
Though the executive order ? which reflects a majority of the governor?s original proposal ? has a large portion of reductions in state agency spending, Granholm and Lannoye pointed out that universities and local governments must still shoulder some of the budget balancing burden.
MSU Extension went from a 100 percent cut to zero.
?They really haven?t said any numbers to us,? said PI MSU Extension director Dave Glenn.
Glenn, and extension officials across the state, were awaiting a vote from the House on a pause in the income tax rollback, which was rejected by the Republican-led House. That left some question marks as to what will happen next. The Executive Order was to go into effect if the House approved it.
The agreement would pause the 0.1 percent
?We are waiting to hear what the final word is going to be,? said Glenn. ?Obviously we have a huge sense of gratitude and humbleness, not only from this county but from around the state.
?It?s a good case in point of democracy in action. People can speak and the politicians listen.?
Glenn is setting up a January date to interview for a 4-H position that had been put on hold in October when MSU Extension learned it was on the chopping block.
The county has showed support for the position and is expected to provide match funding.
Getting the budget cuts finalized would give Glenn and other extension directions in Michigan a little more sense of security so they can move forward with their respective programs.<