Thanks to all of our advocates for keeping extension funding intact during the 2026 legislative session!
In response to the recent economic forecast, state agencies — including the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) — were asked to provide potential budget reductions to the Governor and Legislature. HECC’s proposed reductions originally included the OSU Statewides (OSU Extension, Ag Experiment Station, Forest Research Lab), Outdoor School, state programs and general funding for public universities.
Potential reduction and impacts
HECC originally proposed reductions of up to 7.1% (nearly $14 million biennially) for the OSU Statewides. These programs are essential to Oregon’s rural communities and natural resource industries. Budget cuts would disproportionately affect these areas, limit economic growth and reduce support for farms, forests, fisheries,
youth and families.
Cuts of this magnitude could lead to closure of a research facility, loss of approximately 40 positions and reductions in services and programming. Hiring freezes are already in effect for some state-funded positions in these programs, and further decisions will follow the 2026 Legislative Session.
