Supporters of 4-H are looking for new ways to fund the youth program and hope a bill in the Legislature will help.

But others worry that providing new funding methods for 4-H might encourage strap-cashed counties to cut their funding. And that other youth programs, like debate and marching bands, will want similar provisions.

After Washington County stopped funding 4-H, State Sen. Kathy Saltzman, a DFLer from Woodbury, introduced legislation providing new ways for 4-H to raise money, including dues or voluntary extra admission charges at county fairs, says the Bemidji Pioneer.

It’s not just as Washington County issue: 4-H supporters around the state are worried that the state budget crunch could cause other counties to end their funding, too.

Still, Sen. Rick Olseen, DFL-Harris, worried that if the bill helping 4-H passes, it might actually encourage other counties to end 4-H funding because the programs would have access to other money sources.

There’s still much discussion before legislators vote.