Reis Fights To Restore Downstate 4-H Education Dollars

January 14, 2008

Olney, IL.….Representative David Reis is helping to lead the charge to restore funding to the Department of Agriculture’s 4-H Youth Development Educators program.  Students, teachers and communities statewide suffered a grave loss when Governor Blagojevich vetoed the program from the FY 2008 budget.  Reis’s is chief co-sponsor of House Bill 4228 which seeks to fully restore the $1.7 million vetoed from 4-H Youth Development Educators program.

Also part of the FY ’08 budget was an appropriation for $5 million for the Chicago 4-H Extension program which was left untouched by the Governors veto pen.

“Blagojevich cloaks himself as the Governor who stands for education.  However, once again when education was before him, he left our downstate children empty handed.   Our bill will hopefully reinstate these program dollars and allow 4-H educators to continue developing our future community leaders throughout Illinois and not just Chicago.”

The Governor’s veto eliminated twenty-nine 4-H Youth Development Educators in 47 counties across the state, including Jasper, Richland, Clay, Wayne, Edwards and White.  The loss of educators will deny over 135,500 youths statewide from participating in 4-H directed community projects and educational programs.  Such activities include drug prevention education, youth nutritional programs and the 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive at the Illinois State Fair.

“As a former 4-H member I know first hand how these programs transcend to every aspect of our youths’ lives,” said Reis. “Honoring our state’s commitment to 4-H educators and students must be steadfast and unwavering.  Regardless of politics, continual authorization of these dollars is vital”

The measure now awaits a committee hearing in the House.