Inside IECA Government Relations

2023 Legislative Priorities:

  • Educate how county extension districts are funded (mainly property taxes)
  • Share Extension’s impact by the numbers
  • Show relevancy of ISU Extension and Outreach

How Council Members Can Help

  • Share your county stakeholder report and the Extension and Outreach annual report with your legislators at local legislative coffees they hold in your county. Highlight one or two key program successes that show how your county is helping to build a #StrongIowa.  There are also new Your County by the Numbers handouts highlighting program and contact data specific to each county. If you are unable to meet with them in person, you could also mail or email the report to them, along with a message to reach out to you if they would like to talk further about how ISU Extension and Outreach impacts the citizens they represent. 
  • The ISU Extension and Outreach Talking Points document has some great suggested highlights to share with your legislators.
  • Help your legislators understand the unique 3-way partnership ISU Extension and Outreach has with federal, state, and county funding sources.  Share the Extension Funding Handout with them and highlight that local property tax revenues are used to fund local programming, staff, and facilities.
  • Familiarize yourself with County Agricultural Extension District Tax Asking Limits that guide the amount (in dollars and levy rate) that a county extension district can levy.