MSU Extension 4-H

On Tuesday, September 26, legislation was unveiled to create a 4-H specialty fundraising license plate that would raise money and create more visibility for Michigan 4-H youth programs.

State Reps. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Reggie Miller (D- Van Buren Township) are sponsoring the legislation, which would allow for the creation and sale of a Michigan 4-H plate through the Secretary of State's office.

“This plate would provide an ongoing stream of support that benefits our 4-H programs for years to come,” said Quentin Tyler, director of Michigan State University Extension, which leads the 4-H program in Michigan. “We are so grateful to Reps. Beirlein and Miller for championing this effort.”

Part of the plate’s sale price would be distributed four times a year to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Founded in 1952, the Michigan 4-H Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in East Lansing, Mich. Led by a board of trustees, the foundation partners with MSU Extension and its Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs to prepare youth for meaningful and productive lives.

“We are excited by the prospect of this revenue-generating opportunity that will result in additional visibility and resources to support Michigan 4-H youth and programs,” said Tom Bosserd, president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. “We thank the representatives for their commitment to ensuring 4-H youth continue to have access to these high-quality, youth development programs.”

Statewide, Michigan 4-H reaches more than 100,000 youth each year through hands-on learning experiences that allow youth to explore their passions and interests while growing confidence, life skills and a sense of responsibility. The program operates in every county in the state and is available to youth ages 5 to 19.

“For more than 115 years, our Michigan 4-H programs have been making a positive difference in the lives of youth and their families,” Tyler said. “We look forward to seeing the progress of this legislation, knowing that it will provide valuable resources for future generations to continue to grow with Michigan 4-H.”

The bills were referred to the Michigan House Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure in September. In mid-October, Michigan 4-H Foundation Director Abbey Miller and MSU Extension Associate Director Dr. Deanna East testified before the committee in support of the legislation. The committee unanimously voted in favor of referring the bills to the full house on October 24 and on November 8, the bills passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 105-4-1. The bills will go before the Michigan Senate in the new year.

To learn more about Michigan 4-H, visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/4h. To learn more about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org.