Cuts would kill 4-H

Cuts proposed by the University System of Georgia would completely kill Georgia’s venerable 4-H program.The proposal includes elimination of all Georgia 4-H programs, 116 immediate layoffs which includes 94 County 4-H Agents, closing all five of the 4-H camping facilities including Rock Eagle, closing half of the county extension offices eliminating another 169 positions, and a host of other program eliminations and facility closures.The Cooperative Extension progam has already taken over a 20% reduction in FY2009 and FY2010. The proposed cut for FY2011 is 33.33% and would bring the Cooperative Extension program cuts since 2008 to 51.45% of Extension’s state funding.To comment on the cuts, contact your state legislator:ronnie.chance@senate.ga.govjim@votecole.comdavid.knight@house.ga.govbilly.maddox@house.ga.govreptonysellier@msn.com