Across the nation, 4-H programs are threatened by cuts in state and county spending, according to an Associated Press story by John Seewer distributed widely last week. The article recounted the dire situation in Ohio, Tennessee, Louisiana and Minnesota. Today, the Fresno Bee localized the article for California by adding comments from the assistant director of News and Information Outreach for ANR, Pam Kan-Rice. (The story does not yet appear on the Bee's Web site. If it is posted later today, I'll add a link here.)
According the print version, Kan-Rice told the newspaper that California 4-H is operated as a partnership between UC Cooperative Extension, the federal government, county government and private donations.
"If UC takes more budget cuts, then the Cooperative Extension could take more cuts," Kan-Rice was quoted. ""But at this point we just don't know until the state approves its budget."
The AP article reported these developments in 4-H funding around the country:
- Voters in one Ohio county will decide this month whether to approve a levy that will keep 4-H and other agriculture services operating.
- A 4-H center in Tennessee where youngsters learn swimming and canoeing is scheduled to close this summer.
- Washington County commissioners outside Minneapolis voted last month to eliminate the $130,000 it spends each year on 4-H.
- In Louisiana, a proposed $13.3 million cut for the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center would mean the loss of about 100 extension instructors and staff, including 4-H educators.