Witwer’s Bill Increasing Funding Access for County Fairs, 4-H Orgs Passes House

State legislator leading in supporting agricultural education celebrates a step forward for 4-H funding in Michigan

 

LANSING, Mich., March 2, 2026 — A bill package passed the state House that will support county fairs and 4-H organizations through increasing the cap for deposits into the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Fund (AEIDF). State Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Twp.) sponsored HB 4346, which would gradually increase the annual deposit cap of the AEIDF from $3 million to $15 million by fiscal year 2027-28, using revenue from the internet gaming and operator tax. 

“I am encouraged by the House’s passage of my bill to increase funding amounts to the AEIDF, and I hope to see this critical progress for county fair programs in Michigan cross the finish line,” Witwer said. “Michigan is home to a hardworking horse training and racing industry that deserves to see our support to set them up for future economic growth. This package incentivizes that growth and paves the way for further agricultural investments in our homegrown family stables and farms.”

Witwer developed the package alongside state Rep. Tom Kunse (Clare), whose HB 4367 redistributes the allocation of funds for fair, thoroughbred and research programs. The bills are indicative of Witwer’s longstanding track record of supporting Future Farmers of America (FFA) and other 4-H programs, joining her most recent effort to expand Eaton County students’ access to the programs with her bill, HB 4665, allowing excused absences for FFA and other 4-H events.

“Coming from a farming family myself, it’s always been one of my top priorities to ensure the future of Eaton County’s family farms,” Witwer continued. “That means making sure students have open and supported access to critical agricultural learning programs like FFA and 4-H events, and getting those organizations the funding they need to give back to our state. That’s at the core of this package as well, and what I will continue to work to bring home to protect our family farms.”

 

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