Newly unveiled bipartisan legislation will help benefit Michigan youth by establishing a new type of license plate drivers can apply for.

State Rep. Matthew Bierlein, of Vassar, is joining state Rep. Reggie Miller, of Van Buren Township, to create a Michigan 4-H license plate through the Secretary of State’s office. Funds from license plate sales will benefit the Michigan 4-H Foundation, which supports 4-H youth development programs to help prepare young people for meaningful and productive lives. These efforts include after-school programs, summer camps, year-long clubs, special events, fairs, mentoring programs and more.

The East Lansing-based non-profit organization partners with Michigan State University Extension to support Michigan 4-H programs and was founded in 1952.

“It’s tremendously important to ensure our future generations have the resources they need to be successful while giving them the confidence they need to grow,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “The countless mentors and volunteers associated with these programs help provide that support. These bills will help change the lives of young people throughout our state by giving them an opportunity and making sure 4-H programs continue to have support.”

“Over 100,000 Michiganders are currently involved with 4-H,” Miller said. “By creating this license plate, we can help foster the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

The plans create the new fundraising plate option and establish quarterly disbursements of funds raised from license plate sales from the state treasurer to the foundation. Michigan currently has plate options helping raise funds for a variety of special organizations, including the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, Police Officers Association of Michigan, the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, and others.

The bills will be formally read into the record this week.