LANSING – House lawmakers today applauded the deal struck to lift a veto threat and protect programs vital to Michigan's agriculture. The deal saves the Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Agriculture Experiment Station, protecting the popular 4-H program and more than a billion dollars in economic impact that the programs have on Michigan agriculture.
"Agriculture is one of the few industries in Michigan that's growing, and slashing programs that drive this industry would seriously damage our ability to move our state forward," said State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland). "Rural areas especially rely on programs like the MSU Extension and the Experiment Station to help promote robust and sustainable agriculture practices. We've seen the benefits in our cherry industry, which has not only been a huge crop for us, but a boon to our tourism industry and a proven job creator as well."
Media reports this week suggested that the Governor would veto funding for the programs, a move that would have closed all of the 82 Extension offices and 15 agricultural and biological research stations, according to Jeffrey Armstrong, Dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Without this state funding, the programs would also have missed out on millions in grant funding and federal matching funds.
"At a time when many in Lansing are busy bickering and posturing instead of getting things done, I'm very pleased that this important program will be saved," said State Representative Mike "Huck" Huckleberry (D-Greenville). "Farming is a way of life for people across Ionia and Montcalm counties. The MSU Extension has helped our farmers make it through some tough times and promoted the growth of this key industry for our state."
Under the deal, the Extension and Experiment Station will be restructured to support Michigan's green economy and promote innovative farming programs, while continuing their critical role for Michigan agriculture. The programs have an economic impact of more than a billion dollars, generating $2.33 for every dollar invested.
"I have heard from many residents and seen first hand at two county fairs this summer how important these programs are," said State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond). "Eliminating this funding would be devastating to our youth and their families, as well as our state, and make Michigan the only state to not have a university with comprehensive land-grant programs, including 4-H. I am very pleased with this decision to ensure this doesn't happen."