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Regular Session, 2014 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 121
BY SENATOR THOMPSON AND REPRESENTATI VE ANDERS
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To commend the 100
th
anniversary of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act which founded the
nationwide Cooperative Extension System.
WHEREAS, May 8, 2014, marks the centennial of the signing of the Smith-Lever
Act (Act of May 8, 1914, Ch. 79, 38 Stat. 372, 7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), which established the
Cooperative Extension System, the nationwide transformational education system operating
through land-grant universities in partnership with federal, state and local governments; and
WHEREAS, United States Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia and United States
Representative A. F. Lever of South Carolina authored the Smith-Lever Act to expand the
"vocational, agricultural and home demonstration programs in rural America" by bringing
the research-based knowledge of the land-grant universities to people where they live and
work; and
WHEREAS, cooperative extension is a critical component of the three-part
land-grant university mission which works collaboratively with the Agricultural Experiment
Station System, and academic programs in 106 colleges and universities, including
historically black, Native American, and Hispanic-serving institutions to reach traditional
and underserved audiences in all communities; and
WHEREAS, the Cooperative Extension System continues to receive federal
leadership and support enabled by the Smith-Lever Act and through the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture; and
WHEREAS, cooperative extension's research-based education for farmers and
ranchers helped establish the United States as a leading agricultural-producing nation in the
world; and
WHEREAS, since 1924, when the clover emblem was adopted by the USDA to
represent 4-H, cooperative extension's nationwide youth development program has reached
millions of youth and helped prepare them for responsible adulthood; and SCR NO. 121 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, cooperative extension prepares people for healthy, productive lives
through sustained education, such as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program,
breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing expenditures for federal and state assistance
programs; and
WHEREAS, cooperative extension provides rapid response to disasters and
emergencies through the Extension Disaster Education Network by providing real-time alerts
and resources so extension educators can respond to urgent needs resulting from hurricanes,
floods, oil spills, fire, drought, pest outbreaks, and infectious diseases affecting humans,
livestock and crops; and
WHEREAS, cooperative extension translates science-based research for practical
application through local and online learning networks where educators are available to
identify emerging research questions, connect with land-grant university faculty to find
answers, and encourage application of findings to improve economic and social conditions;
and
WHEREAS, cooperative extension engages with rural and urban learners through
practical, community-based and online approaches, resulting in the acquisition of
knowledge, skills and motivation to strengthen the profitability of animal and plant
production systems, protect natural resources, help people make healthful lifestyle choices,
ensure a safe and abundant food supply, encourage community vitality and grow the next
generation of leaders; and
WHEREAS, many states are celebrating the centennial of the signing of the
Smith-Lever Act with resolutions and proclamations, and many land-grant institutions also
are commemorating the signing of the historic legislation; and
WHEREAS, the Cooperative Extension Service was established in Louisiana on July
23, 1914, when Louisiana State University President Thomas D. Boyd approved the
memorandum of understanding between Louisiana State University Agricultural and
Mechanical College and the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, now the Louisiana
State University AgCenter.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana recognizes the
significance of the Smith-Lever Act to the establishment of Cooperative Extension SCR NO. 121 ENROLLED
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nationwide and encourages the people of the state of Louisiana to observe and celebrate the
centennial with a focus on launching an innovative and sustainable future for cooperative
extension.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana honors the
university faculty and local educators who dedicate their careers to providing trusted
education to help people, families, youth, businesses and communities solve problems,
develop skills and build a better future for all Louisianians.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES