Advocacy is OMGA’s #1 Goal for 2026

OSU Extension Needs Your Help

Calling All Extension Master Gardener Volunteers!

 

OSU Statewide Advocacy Update:

We extend our sincerest thanks for your strong partnership and advocacy throughout Oregon’s 2026 legislative session. Your commitment to Oregon’s communities, natural resources and economic vitality was instrumental in shaping a positive outcome for the OSU Statewide Public Service Programs: Agricultural Experiment Station, Extension Service, and Forest Research Laboratory.

Because of your unified voice, the Legislature protected funding for the OSU Statewides, the Public University Support Fund and State Programs. We are deeply grateful for the organizations — and the many members and community partners behind them — who not only signed onto the coalition letter but also amplified the message through individual legislator meetings, written and oral testimony and other direct engagement. Your efforts ensured that lawmakers heard clearly and consistently that the OSU Statewides are an essential part of Oregon’s economic and educational ecosystems, and vital to the success of Oregon’s agriculture, natural resources, youth and families.

While we are encouraged by these positive outcomes, we also share your disappointment that Outdoor School, which is administered through OSU Extension and funded by state lottery dollars, did not receive restored funding this session. Outdoor School remains a voter-supported, transformative learning experience for Oregon youth, and we remain committed to working alongside the Outdoor School community and our legislative partners to ensure we can continue delivering this invaluable program statewide.

Thank you again for your advocacy, partnership and trust. Your efforts laid the groundwork for the January 2027 legislative session, and we look forward to collaborating with you to keep the OSU Statewides’ impact top of mind for decision-makers.

Together, we are making a real and measurable difference, not only for the OSU Statewides, but for the communities we all serve.

With deep appreciation,

Staci Simonich
Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences
Director, Oregon Ag Experiment Station

Kris Elliott
Vice Provost, Extension & Engagement
Director, OSU Extension Service

Thomas DeLuca
Dean, College of Forestry
Director, Oregon Forest Research Lab

How You Can Help!

Get Involved TODAY!

To see a list of options for interacting and engaging with your legislators open this document.

Recap of Underfunding in Master Gardener Program

Maintaining Continued Service Level is critical for OSU Extensions’ core mission and services provided to our communities. Each year, it costs just a little more to keep all the OSU Extension programs and services operating and functioning. Without fully- funded CSL, the Master Gardener Program may once again face  staffing and service shortages.

In both the 2017-2019 and 2021-2023 biennium Budgets, CSLs for OSU Extension faced deficits which led to prolonged vacancies in staff and other support  positions within the MG Program.

In the 2023-2025 budget year OSU Statewides, with the help from Master Gardeners, secured the necessary funding to restore $2.2M for CSL, and allowed Extension to hire 12 new Master Gardener program faculty and staff. However, out of the 2023-2025 Budget request of $206M, OSU Statewides only received $183.7M, thus creating a shortfall of $17.5M to further fund necessary Extension services and programs.

See How Our Statewides are Funded for better understanding of OSU Extension funding.

Understanding the Legislative Path of a Budget Bill

  • The Legislative session began in January 2025, and budgets were discussed by our lawmakers.
  • In February, the Office of Economic Analysis usually produces another Economic and Revenue Forecast that gives us an updated picture of the state of the economy and tells us what resources are available for the budget.
  • Sometime after that forecast, likely in late February or March, the Legislature’s Ways & Means Co-Chairs will release their initial budget plan, called the “Co-Chairs Budget.”
  • After that is released, Legislative subcommittees (budget committees) will hold hearings on “Budget Areas” (i.e. Human Services, Higher Education, Public Safety, etc.). During this time, they usually hear from agencies, cities and members of the public.
  • They will also start the “Ways and Means Roadshow,” where legislators travel all over the state to hear from Oregonians about their budget priorities (See Ways & Means Committee Roadshow Schedule) There will be another revenue forecast in May that the Legislature will use to base their final budget.
  • The Legislature is bound by the Oregon Constitution to conclude in June, so the budget will be passed and finalized by that time.

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This Toolkit Makes Advocacy Easy

Resources prepared for you:

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