SPRINGFIELD - A year after weathering a similar budget-slashing threat, officials at a number of state-funded agricultural programs are again waiting for the governor and Illinois lawmakers to resolve their financial differences. | MyPantagraph: Central Illinois Farmers Group

Just as social service providers are facing massive cuts to their budgets, programs like the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, 4-H, soil and water conservation districts and the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research are potentially facing a 50 percent cut in grants they receive from the state.

It's all part of the budget fight under way in state government, pitting Gov. Pat Quinn against lawmakers and Republicans against Democrats.

Quinn has called the General Assembly back to town Tuesday to deal with budget issues, but few expect the Legislature to move quickly on his bid to raise the state income tax in order to fill a $11.6 billion budget hole.

Without a resolution by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, agriculture programs are among those facing millions of dollars in reduced funding.

The University of Illinois, which runs cooperative extension programs and the Council on Food and Agricultural Research, could see a $12.6 million cut, based on what the program received in the current fiscal year.

Not all local extension offices are funded in the same manner, meaning the effects of the cuts may be different in various counties.

Last year, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich threatened to withhold funding for agriculture programs, but those cuts were eventually averted.

The fight, though, is still fresh in the minds of extension officials.

"Ever since last year, I think everyone has minded their nickels and dimes," said John Fulton, who oversees the extension's Logan County unit.

Soil and conservation districts could lose an estimated $3.5 million, possibly resulting in up to one half of the agencies shutting their doors by December.

Richard Nichols, executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, estimated the closures would affect about 100 employees across the state and would put a halt to work such as processing payments to landowners who participate in erosion control programs.