Extension offices feel statewide budget pinch

In the whole scheme of a $12.8 million statewide budget, $200,000 doesn't sound like much. But it is half the operating budget for the University of Illinois Extension office in DeKalb County.

"That loss impacts our budget pretty strongly," said John Horn, director of the DeKalb County office.

Although there is $12.8 million in the state budget for the extension offices, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has instructed the Illinois Department of Agriculture not to release the funds. According to Horn, the governor has given no reason for that decision.

"The only explanation I've heard is, yes, the money is in the budget, but it's still up to the discretion of the governor whether or not to expend the funds," Horn said. "There's just a lot of financial information we don't have from the state."

Kane County will see a shortfall of about $260,000, Director Cynthia Worsley said.

Horn explained the funds they receive from the state match local contributions. Both directors agree this primarily will impact staffing, which in turn will impact programs.

In DeKalb County, the Natural Resource Education Center at Russell Woods is likely to feel the pinch. The center opens to the county's school children for educational field trips. Russell Woods is a forest preserve owned by DeKalb County.

"The programs that will suffer directly affect children -- 4-H and the Natural Resource Center," Horn said.

Worsley offered some program numbers that could be affected in Kane County alone:

• The Master Gardener program sees about 10,000 people per year. That number includes people who come into the office to ask questions and lessons Master Gardeners provide on lawn and home beautification.

• Nutrition education programs see roughly 20,000 school children and 5,000 seniors and other adults. Worsley said they target those eligible for public aid to teach food budgeting, safe food storage and cooking. "Of the 3 million people in the state eligible for public aid, we service about 1 million," she said.

• Extension educators spend time in about 120 classrooms in Kane County every month.

• The county has 588 4-H members in 22 community clubs.

• Educational lessons, qualified by the Illinois State Board of Education, see another 7,700 students.

• Summer camps and community events see 2,400 students.

• Also offered are parenting classes, diabetes education and a popular new program, "How Not to Marry a Jerk or Jerkette."

Both directors say they have talked with their local legislators who are supportive of the extension and the programs it offers. Both hope to continue as many programs as possible with the funds they have available.

"We're doing everything we can to support our basic program. We know we just can't do it at the same level. No final decisions have been made," Horn said.

"It's not too late to call your legislator, send postcards to the governor, write letters to the editor," Worsley said. "That gives us plenty of material so our legislators understand the affect this cut has on so many."