Next Tuesday, April 21, Oregon State University advocates are going to invade the Oregon State Capitol, set up booths and tables, and spend the day talking to legislators about the impact OSU has on Oregon’s economy statewide. It’s called OSU Day at the Capitol. Various activities will run from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

If you’ve spent much time in the nursery industry, then you know that OSU’s efforts, particularly through its extension programs, have been crucial in moving the industry forward and keeping it strong. For the past several years, extension programs have been absorbing cuts, but they have managed to maintain their quality and effectiveness. This year, however, the state’s well-publicized budget difficulties during this time of economic uncertainty have the very real potential to cut away not just fat, meat or bones, but entire appendages. The university could face the choice of cutting entire departments, shutting down experiment stations, or both.

Although budget discussions in Salem are already intense, the real action will happen once state officials release their next revenue forecast in May. For now, OSU supporters are asking folks to call their legislators or participate in OSU Day and make the point that OSU and extension make a huge difference.