As we enter into October, we remember in past years, planning for large events like the SC State Fair and Sunbelt Ag Expo, as well as shows at the Garrison. The past six months have made us rethink everything we do: the how, the why, the where, and the what. I always try to find the silver lining and fortunately, there have been many during 2020. The successes that have resulted from innovative delivery methods will allow us to strengthen our programs in the future. ZOOM has allowed effective and versatile engagement; Making It Grow’s new Skype format has improved information sharing and cost efficiency; 4-H @ Home reached all forty-six SC counties, most states, and several countries; and the ‘pin drops’ process by Agronomy and Horticulture Teams have structured site visits are among other beneficial methods we have created. We can use many of these tactics going forward to streamline and enhance in-person activities while attracting or maintaining virtual audiences.
On the September 15 episode of ETV’s Making It Grow, Clemson Extension’s gardening show, I discussed with Amanda McNulty how the different programs in Extension have adapted during the pandemic. Several episodes feature how Extension is serving our state during COVID-19.
Another amazing accomplishment during COVID-19 is a promotional ladder for Extension Associates and new Extension Specialists. Many thanks to Dr. Julie Northcutt, the chief architect of this project, and Ms. Beth Bottoms for helping Dr. Northcutt navigate the HR process. This has been a process that has taken over thirty years. A dedicated promotion committee also assisted Dr. Northcutt. I know this will be one of the most significant impact projects internally for 2020.
I want to remind everyone that county office stages for reopening will be determined by data provided by SCDHEC’s weekly Recent Disease Activity by County report, and the Office Reopening Stages webpage for employees will be updated weekly. The revised Clemson Extension Return to Work Framework Plan provides additional details on office reopening stages.
We are now placing more offices in the Yellow office stage each week, meaning all staff can reenter offices on a staggered rotation. I hope this trend continues and that we will soon have offices in the Green stage, which will mean reopening offices to the general public, but under modified operational constraints. We are not going to sway from our top priority to keep Extension personnel and the public safe. This is exciting, and I know everyone is ready for our ‘new normal’ to become more stable. I cannot thank each of you enough for your hard work and keeping Extension alive in your communities.
Our budget will continue to be of great concern to me as our state starts to get more realistic revenue flow into the system. The third quarter has shown a slower growth rate. Michael Wright, our representative in the Office of Governmental Affairs, provided us with a report at the end of this article. I will keep all of you updated on the budget.
Please do your part to keep yourself and those around you safe. Be a Part of the Solution. I can’t say it enough. Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. Be a model citizen and serve as a responsible ambassador for Clemson Extension. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
Update from the Office of Government Affairs
The SC General Assembly returned the last two weeks for a special session. The purpose of the special session was to debate the 2020-21 Appropriations Bill (SC is currently operating under a Continuing Resolution), appropriation of the second half of CARES Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act money, and any pending legislation that passed one body or the other prior to our shutting down the Legislature back on March 13.
Appropriations Bill
The Senate returned the 2020-21 Appropriations Bill to the House last week, and it included an anticipated one-time surplus. The Senate set aside more than $550 million dollars in case of an emergency and the need for mid-year budget cuts because revenue projections fall short. The Senate also appropriated allocations, including a one-time bonus to state employees who had to stay on the job during the shutdown, raises to K-12 teachers, funding for school nurses, and funding safety upgrades at state prisons. The House refused to take up the Senate’s plan for the fiscal year that started 2 1/2 months ago. That means our state government will continue to run at last year’s spending levels. As justification for not taking up the Appropriations Bill, Ways and Means Chairman Murrell Smith stated that these are all worthwhile considerations. Chairman Smith said he wants to prevent a repeat of the deep cuts to agencies during the Great Recession fallout.
CARES Act Funding
In the CARES Act funding legislation to distribute the remaining funding, the House and Senate proposals went to a conference committee. The bulk of the remaining money included $115 million to the SC Department of Administration for cities, towns, counties, and private colleges and universities.
