Dean's update

February 27, 2009

We continue to track progress in the legislature as they work to close the budget gap for this year and begin to develop budgets for the next two years in a very difficult budget environment. A number of our faculty members have testified on a range of issues. That service to the legislative process speaks well to the partnership that we must have with state government where our faculty members are sought out for their expertise on a range of issues to assist policymakers. A great example was testimony delivered in a special dairy hearing. The focus of the discussion was a report on the economic impact of the dairy industry prepared by members of our Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics that clearly articulated the important role that the dairy industry plays in the state’s economy. The study confirmed the need for legislative action to ensure the long term viability of the dairy industry.

Gregory J. Weidemann

Dean and Director