University of Missouri Extension services is in the news quite a bit right now, and not for the best of reasons.

Funding for Extension services first was cut the tune of a $14.6 million in new Gov. Jay Nixon’s initial budget. That’s about half of what Extension had in its budget for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Then a portion of that funding was restored with $10.1 million in “found” money, apparently left over from a prison construction project in Chillicothe.

And now today, David Lieb with the Associated Press wrote an analysis piece that indicates the restoration of funding by Gov. Nixon was mostly symbolic.

Missouri Extension services in Northeast Missouri seem vital, given the various programs and services Extension offers, especially to rural and sometimes isolated residents. I’m curious to hear from others their thoughts about Extension.

What are its important functions?

What must stay?

What could go?

What will it take to adjust the program to the reality of today’s tough economy?