More than 600 concerned citizens from 34 counties will converge on the state Capitol Tuesday, March 2, to show West Virginia legislators how important West Virginia University Extension Service programs are to the everyday lives of West Virginians.

WVU Extension Day at the Legislaturewill feature information about 4-H, Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS), Master Gardeners, Energy Express, and other farm, family and nutrition programs.

The Charleston event will be a learning opportunity for participants and legislators. Some 4-H members will serve as pages for their local legislators. Participants will meet with their local delegates and senators to discuss the positive impacts that WVU Extension programs have on individuals and families in every West Virginia county.

The pre-arranged visits are intended to inform legislators about the effects budget reductions have had on Extension initiatives and their clients, and the adverse effect any further budget reductions would have on Extension and WVU .

WVU Extension Day supporters will participate in a full slate of activities.

At 9:30 a.m., Larry Cote, director, WVU Extension Service, will welcome guests. Sen. Karen Facemyer (R- Jackson) will unveil the design for the new 4-H and FFA license plate. Gary Spencer of Charleston will explain the process of how bills become laws. At 10 a.m., visitors will begin to meet with their local senators and delegates. At 11 a.m., they can begin to observe floor sessions in the House and Senate. After the floor sessions, visitors will gather on the Capitol steps (weather permitting) at 12:15 p.m. for a sing-along and photo opportunity with Gov. Bob Wiseif his schedule permits. (The alternate site is the lower rotunda of the Capitol building.) Some program supporters may meet with local legislators during the afternoon.

Those who have made prior arrangements will tour the Capitol and the Cultural Center.