We Need Your Help!

The County Executive has released his proposed budget for 2010, which reflects a $496,002, or 45% cut in county funding for your Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Association.

The proposed cuts include a 100% funding reduction to the Environment Program, and deep cuts to the 4-H Youth Development & Green Teen Programs, Nutrition Information Program, and Agriculture/Horticulture Program - which will result in staff layoffs and reductions and/or elimination of programs. While we appreciate the serious economic challenges that our county faces, we also know that now, more than ever, individuals, businesses, and communities need Cooperative Extension’s research-based knowledge and practical education to cope with the complex issues we face.

Click here to read a message of appeal from CCEDC Board President Dan Briggs.

What You Can Do

1. Send a Letter, Email, or Call your Dutchess County Legislator

Share your story about the importance of Cooperative Extension programs to the community with your Dutchess County Legislator. Ask them to restore level funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension in the 2010 Dutchess County budget.

• Click here for a list of your Dutchess County Legislators
• Click here for more information you can include in your communication, and for tips on how to share your story
• What will the proposed budget cuts to CCEDC mean? Consider the value of CCEDC to the community and share this with County Legislators

2. Attend the public hearing on the 2010 County Tentative Budget

The public hearing will be held at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie, NY on December 3, 2009 at 7:00pm.  Please plan to attend and share your story about the importance of Cooperative Extension programs to the community.

3. Become a Fan of CCEDC on Facebook

• Share CCEDC updates with Facebook friends by becoming a Fan of CCEDC
• Post comments of how CCEDC programs have helped you or members of your community

Please check our website often for updates. And feel free to contact the CCEDC Executive Director, Linda R. Keech, by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss any aspects of the situation.

You see first hand the positive impacts that Cornell Cooperative Extension has in our community every day. We will do everything in our power, with your help, to continue this important work!