By: Commissioner James Comer
One of the fondest memories of my childhood is the first time I put on that 4-H green jacket and that FFA blue corduroy jacket…special attire that, along with a pair of mud-stained boots, immediately identify a farm kid. I credit these programs for inspiring me toward a life in public service, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to pay them back.
Last year, I got together with Keith Rogers at the Kentucky 4-H Foundation and Billy Ray Smith at the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and we decided to split the proceeds of the farm license plate voluntary donations equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and Kentucky Proud to remove any uncertainty about where the money was going. Then I spoke to a state wide county clerks meeting and toured county courthouses in an effort to let people know about the donation. Our efforts met with some success. Each organization received a check for $121,708.64. But, we can do better; there is still plenty of room for growth.
Over the past few weeks, I have again taken to the road to promote our Ag-Tag Program. Visiting more than thirty counties so far, encouraging local residents to make a voluntary $10 donation when they renew their farm license plates. Along with 4-H and FFA members, volunteers and staffs, I am working to encourage every county to increase their donations this year and we ask you to join us in this effort.
I strongly believe that these programs are worthy of your support for they are developing the future leaders of our Commonwealth. Kentucky 4-H reaches nearly 230,000 youth, teaching them lessons in leadership, citizenship, and life-skills in a “learn-by-doing” approach that builds outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society.
The 4-H share of the donation is split equally between the county where the funds originated and the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. That means part of your donation stays right in your county, funding local 4-H programs and activities for the youth in your community. The 4-H Foundation share is used to support state level programs many of your 4-H members participate in, furthering their positive experiences and opportunities.
I know we can count on our agriculture community to step up support these two outstanding youth organizations. Making the donation is an excellent opportunity for you to support our youth and help fund the programs that can make a lasting difference in their lives. As you renew your farm license plates in the coming weeks, please consider making the voluntary $10 donation on each Kentucky farm license plate you renew.
