16th District State Senate candidate Doug Spade (D-Adrian) has urged Governor Granholm to retain the legislatively-approved funding for 4-H programs throughout Michigan.

“Every year, 4-H instills self-confidence in thousands of young people and allows them to discover and hone their talents and skills,” Spade wrote in a letter to the Governor.  “It is imperative that funding for this program be kept intact.”

Concern that a veto could be looming for 4-H, other MSU Extension programs, and the Agriculture Experiment Station arose after expected payments to Extension offices failed to occur.

As State Representative, Spade successfully orchestrated a campaign to save 4-H when it was threatened by severe cutbacks during Granholm’s first term as Governor.  She later credited his efforts for preserving the program’s funding.

“You have always championed Michigan as a great state in which to live and work and emphasized the importance of quality of life,” Spade said in his letter to the Governor.  “The positive lessons learned in 4-H and the role modeling offered by 4-H leaders should not be viewed as unaffordable and expendable.  Quite the opposite; it saves money.  4-H provides a healthy environment that steers our youth to productive past-times, and thus reduces the likelihood they will wind up in the prison system.”

The Spade family has been active in 4-H for generations.   Spade pursued an interest in electronics for his projects.  His grandmother was a 4-H leader for 50 years, and his mother was one for 35 years.

“I know first-hand how valuable these programs are,” Spade said.  “Whether it’s raising and showing small animals and livestock or exhibiting stunning displays of photography, food, or crafts, the pride 4-Hers take in their projects is something we cannot put a price-tag on.”

Source:  News release from Doug Spade for State Senate