Bill Text: MI HR0362 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Smith Lever Act, the founding legislation of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2014-05-13 - Adopted [HR0362 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-HR0362-Enrolled.html
Reps. Victory, Brown, Driskell, Howrylak, Kowall and LaVoy offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 362.
A resolution to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Smith Lever Act, the founding legislation of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System.
Whereas, May 8, 2014, marks the centennial of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act (Act of May 8, 1914, Ch. 79, 38 Stat. 372, 7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), which established Cooperative Extension, the nationwide transformational education system operating through land-grant universities in partnership with federal, state, and local governments; and
Whereas, U.S. Sen. Hoke Smith of Georgia and U.S. Rep. A. F. Lever of South Carolina authored the Smith-Lever Act to expand the “vocational, agricultural and home demonstration programs in rural America” by bringing the research-based knowledge of the land-grant universities to people where they live and work; and
Whereas, Cooperative Extension is a critical component of the three-part land-grant university mission and works collaboratively with research, particularly the Agricultural Experiment Station System, and academic programs in 106 colleges and universities, including historically black, Native American, and Hispanic-serving institutions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and six U.S. territories to reach traditional and underserved audiences in all communities; and
Whereas, The Cooperative Extension System continues to receive federal programmatic leadership and support enabled by the Smith Lever Act and other legislation through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture; and
Whereas, Cooperative Extension’s research-based education for farmers and ranchers helped establish the United States as a leading agricultural-producing nation in the world; and
Whereas, Since 1924, when the clover emblem was adopted by USDA to represent 4-H, Cooperative Extension’s nationwide youth development program has reached millions of youth and helped prepare them for responsible adulthood; and
Whereas, Cooperative Extension prepares people for healthy, productive lives through sustained education such as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing expenditures for federal and state assistance programs; and
Whereas Cooperative Extension provides rapid response to disasters and emergencies through the Extension Disaster Education Network and other similar efforts. This system provides real-time alerts and resources so Extension educators can respond to urgent needs resulting from hurricanes, floods, oil spills, fire, drought, pest outbreaks and infectious diseases affecting humans, livestock, and crops; and
Whereas, Cooperative Extension translates science-based research for practical application through local and online learning networks where educators are uniquely available to identify emerging research questions, connect with land-grant university faculty to find answers, and encourage application of findings to improve economic and social conditions; and
Whereas, Cooperative Extension engages with rural and urban learners through practical, community-based, and online approaches, resulting in the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and motivation to strengthen the profitability of animal and plant production systems, protect natural resources, help people make healthful lifestyle choices, ensure a safe and abundant food supply, encourage community vitality, and grow the next generation of leaders; and
Whereas, Many states are celebrating the centennial of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act with resolutions and proclamations and many land-grant institutions also are commemorating the signing of the historic legislation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Smith Lever Act, the founding legislation of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System. We recognize the significance of the Smith-Lever Act to the establishment of Cooperative Extension nationwide and celebrate millions of youth, adults, families, farmers, ranchers, community leaders, and others who engage in Cooperative Extension learning opportunities designed to extend knowledge and change lives; and be it further
Resolved, That we encourage the people of Michigan to observe and celebrate the centennial with a focus on launching an innovative and sustainable future for Cooperative Extension; and be it further
Resolved, That we honor the university faculty and local educators who dedicate careers to providing trusted education to help people, families, youth, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.; and be it further
Resolved, That we thank Cooperative Extension volunteers who provide thousands of hours to promote excellence for 4-H, Master Gardeners, family, and consumer sciences and other programs in their communities; and be it further
Resolved, That we encourage continued collaboration and cooperation among federal, state, and local governments to ensure Cooperative Extension’s sustainability as the nation’s premiere nonformal educational network.
