JEFFERSON CITY — University of Missouri Extension services are available in every county in Missouri. I strongly believe in the work of the extension and the county councils that drive local programming. Because of this, I believe that each community should have the option of establishing single- or multi-county extension districts in order to offer better service to local citizens, as well as the choice to fund extension programs with a voter-approved property tax levy.

Senate Bill 9 passed the Senate this week with a vote of 23-7 and has been sent to the House for its consideration. The House companion bill, HB 202, was also passed this week. I was asked to carry this legislation by the University of Missouri Extension State Council.

The mission of the extension program is to provide Missourians with practical educational programs based on research and resources supplied by the University of Missouri system. The topics of these programs range from starting a small business to caring for live poultry to staying healthy. The curriculum of available programs is typically funded and provided by state-established local county extension councils. Patrons of extension programs come from all age, socioeconomic and ethnic groups by which Missouri is fortunate enough to be represented.

The extension program is a collaborative enterprise between the University of Missouri campuses, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, existing county extension councils, USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture, and in conjunction with participating partners and stakeholders across Missouri. Also, the extension works closely with 4-H members and their activities.

The University of Missouri Extension is part of an important set of traditions in Missouri. Under the land-grant mission that served to establish the University of Missouri system, the extension program continues to provide land-and agricultural- based education opportunities. For more information on the extension, county councils, or any of the programs or classes available to you in the 21st District, or across the state, please visit the extension website at www.extension.missouri.edu.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.