QUESTIONS FROM SENATOR STENNIS

Senator HOLLAND. I have received a set of questions from Senat Stennis, a member of this subcommittee, who could not be present this morning's hearings. These questions are to be answered by y and I will ask that you respond to them in the hearing record.

In the main they appear to cover points that have already been d cussed with you, but in order for the record to be complete on t subject I request that you respond to these questions from Senat Stennis for the hearing record.

(The questions and answers referred to follow :)

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION EMPLOYEES SALARIES

Senator STENNIS. Last year this committee recognized the responsibility of Federal Government to provide funds for the Federal share of salary increa for cooperative extension employees, comparable to increases granted to Fede employees. The 1964 appropriation included a $3.7 million increase in payme to States to provide a part of the funds required. Can you tell us, Dr. Da how the State extension services are using that money?

Dr. DAVIS. Eighty-four percent was used for salary increases.

Senator STENNIS. This committee indicated last year that it would provide remainder of the money needed for this purpose in the 1965 budget. As I re the money needed this year to fulfill our commitment is approximately $2.7 lion. Is that right, Dr. Davis?

Dr. DAVIS. Yes, sir.

Senator STENNIS. Thank you, Dr. Davis, for presenting those figures. In or to specifically bring to the committee's attention the action that was taken year, Mr. Chairman, I want to place in the record at this point the statemen Senator Holland in presenting to the Senate the conference report on the agri ture appropriations bill for fiscal 1964. Senator Holland stated:

"The conference agreed to one-half of the Senate increases to be dire toward adjusting the pay of cooperative extension workers and employees State experiment stations, who are paid in part from Federal funds carrie this bill.

"The specific amount of increase agreed to was $2,705,000 of $5,410,000 payments for cooperative extension workers; and $1,250,000 of $2,500,000 incr proposed by the Senate for payments to State experiment stations.

"It is expected that the remaining amounts of additional Federal approp tions necessary to bring about comparable salary adjustments will be consid in the consideration of the appropriation bill for 1965."

The 1965 budget estimates reduced the payments to States by some $2.6 mil from the amount appropriated last year, so it seems to me that the budget mate is approximately $5.3 million below the funds extension needs. Now, Davis, we understand your position, but we would like for you to tell us fra just what effect you think an appropriation of the budgeted amount would h Dr. DAVIS. (1) Failure to stay competitive on salaries and, consequently creased difficulties in maintaining well qualified staff; and/or (2) reductio staff and consequent reduction of program.

FEDERAL EXTENSION SERVICE AND THE RURAL AREAS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Senator STENNIS. Would you describe for us what Extension is doing in r areas development?

Dr. DAVIS. Traditionally the Federal Extension Service has been recognize the "educational arm" of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In March 1 the Secretary of Agriculture directed the Federal Extension Service to "pro in rural redevelopment areas' organizational and educational leadership orderly development of local economic initiative."

During the past 3 years the Extension Service has been actively assisting county and area groups organize for total resource development in their a The report as of February 1, 1964, showed Extension Service had assisted counties in the Nation organize county RAD committees or similar organizati 1,067 of these counties are ARA designated counties. Assistance is being

to 102 multicounty area RAD committees in their organizational work and in 1 multistate regional committee. Approximately 75,000 persons, mostly volunteer leaders, are serving on these committees at the county, area, and State level. Thousands more are involved in community development activities in these same counties. Eleven hundred counties and 102 multicounty areas have prepared written overall economic development programs outlining guides for improving the economy in these areas. The extension services have 84 professional personnel at the State level and 148 professionals working full time at the county and area level in the rural areas development activities. All extension agents give some time to the educational role in RAD.

The extension services work with the county RAD committees in assisting them in organizing and initiating educational programs to better understand their opportunities for total resource development.

Rural areas development is not an agricultural program. It is a method of bringing together broadly representative groups in a county or area to consider the development of the total resources-human, natural, and institutional. Extension's organizational and educational experience in RAD has been that given the opportunity and needed assistance, local people are capable and willing to study the background information, identify problems and resources, and take logical steps in developing educational programs.

The extension service is working with other agencies of Government-Federal and State and private organizations that are contributing to the efforts of local groups in rural areas development.

FEDERAL EXTENSION SERVICE PROGRAMS

Senator STENNIS. I know from my experience in Mississippi that Extension works with large numbers of rural people who have low or very low incomes. Could you describe that work for us?

Dr. DAVIS. Extension work with rural people who have low and very low income, includes the following educational and income-enhancing programs:

1. Nutrition education.

2. Clothing renovation, buying, and construction.

3. Budgeting and management of limited resources.

4. Improved housing.

5. Home industries.

6. Help in literacy.

7. Leadership development.

8. Crop and livestock improvement.

9. Off-farm employment.

Summary descriptions of each of the above follow:

NUTRITION EDUCATION

In hundreds of communities extension agents, in cooperation with local welfare and public assistance personnel, have helped families to make better use of donated commodities. Such work by extension agents has involved demonstrations of food preparation, using the donated commodities at the food distribution centers. In many cases the homemakers thus reached by extension for the first time continue their work together as organized groups. The demonstrations often stimulate interest in more knowledge about adequate diets. In many instances, the extension agent is able to give practical help on other family-related matters, such as sewing, grooming, home improvement, and family relations. The following quotation indicates something of the nature of this educational work with low-income people. "The nutritionist worked with the home agent at large in developing special techniques and methods for working in the labor camps in Pima County. It was decided to use makeshift-type equipment in at least two demonstrations (during one meeting) and standard equipment for one demonstration. The purpose was to show the women that even with the equipment they had in their cabins they could still prepare attractive, interesting food. The next step was to discuss nutrition and the importance of using the money available to buy food high in vitamins A and C. In the 23 meetings conducted by the home agent at large, use of fruits and vegetables was emphasized at each program. By actually working with the women in the cabins or huts of the labor camps, she was accepted. Interest and enthusiasm is still carrying on" (Arizona).

In addition to demonstration meetings, Extension has used mass media and exhibits for wider dissemination of information concerning the best use of donated commodities.

CLOTHING RENOVATION, BUYING, AND CONSTRUCTION

With many low-income homemakers, Extension has found an interest in lea ing to sew in order to renovate used clothing which is either donated to families or purchased in used-clothing stores. Extension home econom have combined the teaching of sewing with some work in literacy as they b been able to help illiterate women to understand the words commonly found patterns. Many women who have been helped in classes teach their daught in turn. In some cases, 4-H Clubs have been started with low-income child around the interest in sewing. The new skills which the women learn are o used in the construction of stuffed toys, baby bibs, and other articles which be used for either day-by-day living or as gifts for special occasions.

Extension agents have assisted homemakers in the buying of clothing supplies in used-clothing stores. In some instances, agents have also wo with storeowners, advising them on the types of articles needed by low-ind families.

BUDGETING AND MANAGEMENT OF LIMITED RESOURCES

As is indicated in the previous section, help in the buying of clothing is o accompanied by education in the better use of income through improved sumption practices. Tied with this in many programs are practical suggest and discussions of improved housekeeping standards and management. Ty subjects discussed in such sessions would include methods of cleaning laundry, storage, care of equipment, etc. In one county, classes were organ to train women as domestic workers. As a result of this training, 22 of th women enrolled in the 12 3-hour sessions obtained employment.

IMPROVED HOUSING

Work with low-income rural families in housing has included remode kitchen planning, lighting, floor coverings, and homefurnishings. In man stances, the Extension Service has worked with migrant agricultural wo to improve living conditions in the migrant camps. Examples of such work the development of sample homes, wash areas, storage, etc. The Exter Service in many places cooperates with county planning boards and healt partments as well as with farmers in making provisions for improved mi housing.

HOME INDUSTRIES

The encouragement of home industries in low-income rural areas by exte agents has concentrated largely upon the development of crafts and tou although some income sources have been created through the work in clo alteration ad nutrition. Through such media as craft shops in State P county craft and food sales, and other outlets, supplementary income so have been developed. Such items as jewelry, baskets, hand weaving, wood ducts, and children's toys are examples of craft materials which are sold. I side markets are another instance of income-producing activities assiste extension workers.

HELP IN LITERACY

Mention was made in connection with the work in clothing of some inst in which literacy has been improved through Extension's educational prog Extension agents have provided assistance to many of the youth from income families in getting them to continue in school and to continue their cation beyond high school.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

For low-income people, it appears that leadership development is one most beneficial results of Extension's educational work. When homemaker example, can come to share what they learn by teaching others, they build confidence and respect as well as a sense of community responsibility othe too often lacking. Through the RAD committees organized in 2,100 count the Nation, extension agents have worked with community leaders in devel community-type projects that have been beneficial to low-income families in areas. Some of these would include nursing homes, hospitals, communit health and safety programs, information pertaining to better utilization nated foods, and establishing markets for new crops and youth programs