SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the state Capitol on March 25 to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased state investment at its inaugural Extension Day at the Capitol. Staff also attended the 56th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day on March 24.
Both events were opportunities to connect with lawmakers about Extension’s positive impacts and to request an increase in its state-appropriated budget from $10 million to $20 million to better serve the public. As the outreach branch of University of Illinois, Extension fulfills the university's land-grant mission at the local level by translating research, delivering educational programs, and offering services that positively impact the lives of adults and youth across the state.
Despite being a leading agricultural producer of soybeans, corn, and pork, Illinois ranks lowest in its support for Extension among peer states, measured by farm acres, farm revenue, or population. Extension generates a return of nearly $10 for every $1 invested, with volunteer contributions adding an estimated $15 million annually to the Illinois economy, according to a 2019 economic impact study.
“Extension Day at the Capitol was an opportunity to show our lawmakers firsthand the depth and breadth of what Extension does for Illinois communities every day. We are committed to expanding that impact, and we hope this event helps build the legislative partnerships that will allow us to do so,” said Matthew Vann, associate dean and director of Illinois Extension.
In 2025, Extension public programs reached more than 830,000 people in Illinois, including over 20,000 4-H members. The proposed budget increase would support increased agricultural, nutrition, and community education by funding increased public programming across all 27 of Extension’s statewide units. It would also fund all 4-H program fees.
“This inaugural event for Extension was a successful way for visitors to our showcase tables to learn about our many programs while staff strengthened relationships with legislators during office visits,” said Carl Baker, Extension government relations assistant director.
The event drew an estimated 250 visitors, including legislators, constitutional officers, legislative staff, and agency personnel. Extension staff from Illinois 4-H and the agriculture, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy program teams attended. Local leaders from Extension field offices also visited legislator offices, sharing stories about the benefits of Extension programs.
“Our Day at the Capitol was a great opportunity to educate our lawmakers about the value of Extension in all 102 counties across the state. Our informational tables, which were staffed by our expert educators, gave a hands-on opportunity to experience the difference we make,” said Janice McCoy, regional associate director.
For more information about Illinois Extension impact, programs, and strategic visioning, visit Our Impact and Strategic Planning.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.