Proposed Michigan 4-H license plate legislation headed for governor’s desk
Print
EmailLegislation that would generate support for Michigan 4-H youth through a new fundraising license plate was passed by the Michigan legislature this week with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation is now headed to the governor’s desk for approval.
Legislation that would raise money and create more visibility for Michigan 4-H youth programs through the creation of a specialty license plate was passed unanimously (38-0) by the Michigan Senate on Tuesday, June 25. After initially passing the Michigan House of Representatives on November 8, 2023, the legislation returned to the House for a concurrence vote on June 27, where it was again passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (109-1). The bills now head to the desk of Governor Whitmer for her consideration.
“It is very exciting to have the Michigan 4-H license plate legislation so close to becoming law,” said Quentin Tyler, director of Michigan State University Extension, which leads the 4-H program in Michigan. “The 4-H community has talked about a 4-H license plate for many years; we are truly grateful for the bill’s sponsors who have helped to make this a reality, as well as the many legislators who have supported it along the way.”
The Michigan 4-H license plate legislation (House Bills 5056 and 5058) was first introduced in September 2023 by State Reps. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Reggie Miller (D- Van Buren Township) and eventually collected 19 total sponsors of bipartisan support. The proposed legislation will allow for the creation and sale of a Michigan 4-H plate through the Secretary of State's office. Under the legislation, a portion of the plate’s sale price would be distributed four times a year to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, an East Lansing-based nonprofit organization that partners with MSU Extension and its Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs to prepare youth for meaningful and productive lives.
“The Michigan 4-H Foundation believes that 4-H is the best youth development program that exists for today’s young people and this legislation will help to ensure that program has revenue to support it for years to come,” said Tom Bosserd, president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to see it heading to the governor’s desk.”
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.
“Our Michigan 4-H program makes an incredible difference in the lives of Michigan youth, families and communities across the state,” Tyler said. “From Ironwood to Ann Arbor, Benton Harbor to Bad Axe, Copper Harbor to Coldwater and everywhere in between, Michigan 4-H is growing true leaders of today and tomorrow. This legislation will help to provide valuable funds to support this program and we can’t wait to see that 4-H clover on hundreds of Michigan license plates.”
By law, the legislation must now be presented to Governor Whitmer and she has 14 days upon receipt to consider the legislation. The governor may sign or veto the bills; if neither is done at the end of 14 days, the legislation becomes law.
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.
