MU Extension could face fewer cuts from Nixon

MU Extension will still have to cut $5.3 million.

By Eva Dou

Published Feb. 12, 2009

Gov. Jay Nixon is tempering his proposed cuts to MU Extension's budget, after a state construction project cost less than expected.

Nixon filed a governor's amendment Wednesday that would cut Extension by $5.3 million, compared to the original cut of $14.6 million, or half of Extension's budget.

While reviewing the state budget, Nixon found a surplus $10.1 million remaining from the construction of a women's correctional facility in Chillicothe. Nixon said the extension programs at MU and Lincoln University were the last to be cut during his budget review process, so they got priority when more funding was discovered.

"The university extension programs provide important services for Missourians, and I'm pleased that we have the opportunity to allocate additional resources to fund their work," Nixon said.

MU Extension will receive $9.3 million and Lincoln University's extension program will get $800,000.

The extension program at MU provides a wide range of services including community development, natural resource programs and continuing education.

Chancellor Brady Deaton said in a statement he is pleased at the announcement.

"Extension's ability to stimulate economic development, create jobs, train the workforce, educate Missourians about nutrition and preventative health care and provide pathways for our youth to contribute to Missouri's economic success is being recognized, and we are grateful," he said. "We know the millions of citizens across Missouri who have benefited from Extension will celebrate this news."

Nixon had received criticism for his decision in late January to slash MU Extension's budget in half, with some educators and lawmakers saying he went against his pledge to maintain funding for higher education.

"I'm glad he listened to the concerns of me and a number of other people," Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, said. "I'm still concerned that he's $5 million short of his promise to not cut funding to the universities."

Schaefer said he doesn't like that the money is coming from a one-time source.

"I think it's troublesome that it isn't a steady source of money, because Extension is a core function of the university," he said. "It affects the classrooms, and the governor promised not to let cuts affect the classrooms."

Rep. Mary Still, D-Columbia, said she was pleased with the governor's decision to restore some of Extension's funding.

"It's something that's makes a big difference to us all and to our flagship university," she said.

The $10.1 million left over from the construction project is largely comprised of reimbursement due to the state, Nixon spokesman Scott Holste said. The state will be reimbursed for interest payments for the project made from the general revenue fund.

Final budget decisions lie with the General Assembly. Overall, Nixon has cut or eliminated 50 state programs and 1,300 state employees to balance his fiscal year 2010 budget.