We received news that the Ohio Legislature has voted on the final state budget for FY26-27.
Per the final bill, all three of our CFAES capacity funding lines have been returned to the FY24 funding level. OSU Extension will receive $25,504,468, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center will receive $37,169,048, and Ohio Sea Grant will receive $308,000.
While this is a reduction in funding from our current budget, it is not an indication of the importance of our work throughout the state. We appreciate the tremendous support of our many partners and stakeholders who advocated on our behalf during the budget process.
We know that Ohio’s legislators are very supportive of our research and Extension programs, but we also acknowledge that there are many demands on state funds.
Despite this disappointment, we know you will continue to provide high-quality, impactful local programming and innovative research to fulfill our land-grant mission.
At the federal level, the budget process remains dynamic, with changes emerging almost daily. We continue to share our impact with our federal legislators as the budget process continues to evolve. We are aware there are multiple factors at play, and we have some time to go before the federal budget is finalized. However, we remain optimistic that funding for our research and Extension programs will be supported.
Thank you for the important work you do to fulfill our purpose – together, we sustain life.
Shared by email on June 26, from the dean’s office.