AURI leader testifies before ag committee
By Janet Kubat Willette
Agri News
Date Modified: 01/29/2010 4:04 PM
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ST. PAUL — Teresa Spaeth is attempting to nurture the hope she senses in rural Minnesota while at the same time coping with unexpected budget cuts.
Spaeth is executive director of AURI, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. Demand for AURI services is greater now than in a long time, but at the same time Spaeth doesn't know how much state funding the organization will receive.
Spaeth testified at a Jan. 13 meeting of the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance Division.
Spaeth said she was notified in mid-December by Minnesota Management and Budget that AURI should plan for a 3 percent cut in its allocation from the state, with the potential of a 6 percent cut. Later that same day, she was told to plan for a 6 percent cut. AURI was also asked to submit a plan to MMB outlining how the organization would absorb a 6 percent cut.
Early on Jan. 6, Spaeth was told AURI would receive its full quarterly allocation in January. However, later that day she was notified that 6 percent of the quarterly allocation would be withheld immediately. The April allocation is dependent upon what the Legislature and governor decide.
Rep. Al Juhnke, DFL-Willmar, who chairs the committee, questioned whether the governor can hold back funds authorized by the Legislature.
Rep. Andrew Falk, DFL-Murdock, agreed, saying he'd like to see a legal opinion on whether it's legal.
Spaeth said she wants legislators to consider everything and plan, rather than react in crisis.
Agriculture is on the forefront of many exciting opportunities and AURI is agriculture's research and development organization. Innovation and research and development are important to an economic recovery, Spaeth said.
As funding uncertainty looms, AURI is conserving funds and looking forward cautiously, Spaeth said.
Two positions that were vacated haven't been filled and the duties have been reassigned. If the 6 percent cut is approved, another position will be cut, Spaeth said.
She's hoping the Legislature acts on the budget early in the session.
"It would be good to know yes, so we know how to plan," Spaeth said.