For over 110 years, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service (CES) has been a vital lifeline for Arizona’s rural communities, driving agricultural innovation, youth development, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity. As the Arizona legislature deliberates the upcoming budget, we need your voice to ensure CES remains fully funded to continue its transformative work.

We urgently need your help to secure Extension’s future. The $8 million in one-time funding CES has received annually since FY23 is at risk of discontinuation, which would result in a 30% budget cut, the loss of approximately 40 staff and faculty positions, and a significant reduction in services. To sustain CES’s impact, we urge the legislature to maintain the baseline funding of $14.5 million and prioritize making the $8 million NEI/AZ Healthy Tomorrow funding permanent. If permanent funding is not feasible, securing an additional year of this funding is critical to maintain CES’s programs while we work toward a permanent solution.

Why Extension Matters:

• Extension empowers youth through programs like 4-H, fostering leadership and preparing the next generation.
• It supports agricultural entrepreneurs, strengthens local food systems, and ensures nutritional security.
• Extension promotes mental health, agricultural literacy, and sustainable environmental practices.
• It drives innovation in Arizona’s $31 billion agricultural industry, ensuring resilience and efficiency.
• Every $1 invested in Extension generates nearly $5 in economic benefits, contributing $139 million annually to Arizona’s economy.

Your Action Is Critical: We ask you to contact your state legislators today and urge them to support full funding for CES. Share your personal story of how CES has impacted you, your family, or your community—whether through 4-H, agricultural workshops, nutrition programs, or other initiatives. Your voice can make a difference!

How You Can Help:

1. Participate in our call to action Fill out our quick form to your right to contact your legislator and let them know this is important to you!
2. Spread the Word: Encourage fellow supporters to join this effort by forwarding this Call to Action

Act Now to Secure Arizona’s Future: Investing in CES is an investment in Arizona’s resilience, prosperity, and community strength. Please take a moment today to contact your legislators and advocate for CES funding. Together, we can ensure CES continues to serve Arizona for generations to come.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Cooperative Extension.