WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the Senate has unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution he cosponsored that supports 4-H and its recently-launched “Grow True Leaders” campaign. The resolution, which was led by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and cosponsored by a total of 35 senators, recognizes the immeasurable benefits of the national 4-H program for young people and its potential growth under the new initiative.

“For more than a century, 4-H has helped enrich the lives of young people across Maine and opened new doors of opportunity, particularly in our state’s more rural areas,” said Senator King. “This fantastic program, which is coordinated in the state through UMaine Cooperative Extension, continues to inspire, instruct, and help shape Maine’s future leaders. I am pleased the Senate recognized 4-H and its important work to expand its positive impact in Maine and across the country.”

In Maine, 4-H programs are coordinated through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, with local community clubs being led by volunteers. Cooperative Extension also oversees several camps and learning centers in the state, and partners with teachers and schools to offer enrichment programs during the school day and in after school programs. The 4-H movement supports young people through programs designed to shape future leaders and innovators, particularly in rural communities. Last week, 4-H launched a campaign called “Grow True Leaders,” which seeks to replicate 4-H’s success in rural communities in urban areas. The program’s new initiative hopes to reach a broader, more diverse population, impacting more African American and Hispanic children.

Other cosponsors of the resolution include Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (R-Ore.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C), Tom Udall (D-N.M), and David Vitter (R-La.).

The full text of the 4-H resolution is available HERE.

Photo 1: Senator King meeting with Maine 4-H members in 2013.

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