MSU Extension 4-H

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined with Michigan 4-H youth and volunteers in Van Buren Charter Township on Wednesday, Aug. 14, to ceremoniously sign into law legislation that creates a Michigan 4-H fundraising license plate. The specialty plate will raise money and generate more visibility for the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program.

“4-H programs bring kids together to learn new skills, become more active participants in their communities and form lasting friendships,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bill will kick-start the process to create a new, 4-H themed fundraising license plate and support this vital program across all 83 Michigan counties. Let’s keep working together to support rural communities and help more young people ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Also joining Whitmer to speak at the ceremonial signing were legislation co-sponsor State Rep. Reggie Miller (D - Van Buren Township), Van Buren Township Treasurer Sharry Budd, and Michigan State University Extension Director Quentin Tyler. Michigan 4-H is the flagship youth development program of MSU Extension.

“We are so grateful to Governor Whitmer and Rep. Miller for the opportunity to celebrate the signing of this important legislation and so pleased to have a group of Michigan 4-H youth and volunteers onsite to join in the fun,” said Tyler. “We extend our thanks as well to State Rep. Bierlein for his critical role in bringing this plate to reality by co-sponsoring the legislation.”

Originally signed into law on July 23, the Michigan 4-H license plate legislation allows for the creation and sale of a Michigan 4-H plate through the Secretary of State's office. A portion of the plate’s sale price will be distributed four times a year to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, an East Lansing-based nonprofit organization that partners with MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H to prepare youth for meaningful and productive lives.

“It is incredible to have this legislation officially become law,” said Tom Bosserd, president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. “It has been a dream of the Michigan 4-H community for many years, and we’re excited for this new opportunity to support Michigan 4-H youth, not only because of the revenue stream it will create but because of the increased visibility it will bring through thousands of 4-H clovers on license plates across the state.”

Each year, Michigan 4-H reaches more than 100,000 young people 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.

“Michigan 4-H helps today’s young people gain critical life skills – skills they need to become leaders in our communities, schools and homes,” said Tyler. “This new 4-H fundraising license plate will help us to reach and serve more Michigan youth and we sincerely thank everyone who made this opportunity a reality.”

The Michigan 4-H fundraising license plate legislation was first introduced in September 2023 by State Reps. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Miller. Over time, the legislation collected 19 total sponsors of bipartisan support and passed the Michigan House overwhelmingly on Nov. 8, 2023, with a vote of 105-4-1. The bills then passed the Michigan Senate unanimously (38-0) on June 25. An exact date of when the 4-H fundraising license plate will be available at the Secretary of State is not yet known.

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.