Contributions to the Kansas Citizens for Extension Education, Inc.
The articles of incorporation for the Kansas Citizens for Extension Education (KCEE)
state that one of its purposes is to assist the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service
in obtaining adequate funding and financing to conduct its various programs.
Another purpose is to disseminate information to the general public and to all levels
of government concerning the need for and advantages of the Extension Service.
KCEE serves an advocacy role in communicating with the legislature and
congressional delegation, especially through its grassroots connections.
The statute establishing the county extension councils and districts states explicitly
that councils and districts “shall not engage in commercial or other private
enterprises, legislative programs, or other activities not authorized by this act...”
(K.S.A. 2-616).
In January of 2003, the Kansas State University Attorney, Richard H. Seaton,
wrote an opinion that local Extension Councils could not use their funds, either
appropriated or non-appropriated, to provide financial support for the activities of
the Kansas Citizens for Extension Education (KCEE). If they were to do so, in his
opinion, they would be engaged in “legislative programs.”
The KCEE Board of Directors is asking for a minimum of $50.00 donation from
each county/district unit to support those activities which cannot, under state
statute, be carried out by the State Extension Advisory Council (SEAC). The KCEE
donations can come from businesses, clubs, or individuals.
KCEE funding should not be confused with the funding of SEAC. SEAC is financed
from Extension Council/Governing Body funds. The SEAC invoice is provided
separately.
January 2013