By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois 4-H Foundation came one step closer to creating a 4-H specialty license plate when Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation officially endorsing the plate on August 20.
The process of creating the 4-H license plate began two years ago. Before legislation could be drafted to allow the license plate, at least 800 people had to show support for it.

“We started this endeavor at the 2009 Illinois State Fair. Our main goal at the fair booth was to obtain signatures for the idea of a 4-H license plate,” said Angie Barnard, director of the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

“We did the same thing about a month later at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. From those two events, we had about 2,200 signatures,” she said.

Now, according to the state’s criteria, the Secretary of State must receive 1,500 requests for the 4-H specialty plate before production can begin.

Specialty license plates are authorized by Illinois law with the primary goal of raising funds for an organization.

“This license plate will not only give more visibility to the 4-H organization and 4-H Clover, but also serve as an ongoing fundraiser for Illinois 4-H youth programs,” Barnard said.
4-H is an out-of-school youth education program available in every Illinois county through University of Illinois Extension offices.
Members choose projects that focus on citizenship, leadership, art, science, engineering and technology based on their interests.
To request the Illinois 4-H license plate, submit the request form, available at www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu, and a $25 check made payable to the Secretary of State. This non-refundable fee will directly support Illinois 4-H youth programs statewide.

“We are still in ‘show us your support’ mode, but now we’re asking people to write that check for $25 to show their support,” Barnard said.

After 1,500 requests have been received, supporters will be notified when the plate becomes available. Those who request the license plate will not be obligated to purchase the plate upon its release.
Barnard explained that every time that plate comes up for renewal, the owner will pay the normal fee for their plate plus $10.

“I think this will catch the eyes of those that love 4-H,” Barnard said.