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Cornell Cooperative Extension warns Ulster County committee of possible SNAP‑Ed elimination and research funding cuts
Summary
Cornell Cooperative Extension Director Forestrom told the Ulster County committee the president’s proposed budget could eliminate local SNAP‑Ed services and sharply cut research grants, threatening one local SNAP‑Ed position and broader county extension work; staff said they are organizing advocacy and exploring interim options.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Director Forestrom warned the Ulster County Legislature’s Economic Development, Planning, Education, Employment, Arts, and Agriculture Committee on June 3 that recent federal budget proposals could eliminate the county’s SNAP‑Ed funding and sharply reduce USDA research grants that support Cooperative Extension work.
Forestrom told the committee the change, which she said surfaced “hot off the press,” would directly affect one staff member who delivers nutrition education to low‑income residents and has the potential to undermine services that “serve thousands of people every year.” She said Smith‑Lever outreach funding appears likely to be cut by roughly half and that Hatch‑Act research funding also faces steep reductions, and added the office is still gathering details about the incoming proposals.
“We’re trying to figure out how to appropriately advocate within our structure, which is apolitical,” Forestrom said, adding that county staff and Cornell leaders are working to learn how the cuts would affect local operations. She said the county currently receives roughly $12,000 in direct funding and about $60,000 to help administer shared business services across seven counties.
Forestrom also briefed members on local coordination: Cornell Cooperative Extension has been arranging an elected‑official ag tour for July 8 (rain date July 9) to showcase cooperative extension and regional agriculture work. She urged legislators and partners to advocate with state and federal representatives while the office seeks guidance from Cornell administration.
Committee members noted the potential local impact. One legislator asked when the affected SNAP‑Ed employee would be terminated; Forestrom said current funding runs through Sept. 30 and the office is attempting to retain the employee through that period while advocacy continues.
Forestrom said regional partners such as the Hudson Valley Lab and local growers are mobilizing to advocate on research and extension support, and that some program continuity might be achievable through creative local funding or fee‑for‑service arrangements if federal support is lost.
The committee did not take formal action on the funding topic during the meeting; Forestrom said she would provide updates as more information becomes available and as Cornell and state officials clarify the federal picture.
