EDWARDSVILLE – Dozens of high school students from across the 55th Senate District recently traveled to the Illinois State Capitol to participate in State Senator Jason Plummer’s (R-Edwardsville) Youth Advisory Council (YAC), an interactive program designed to give students a firsthand look at state government and the legislative process.
“I host this program every year because I believe we should be doing more to engage the younger generation in the governmental process and encourage them to have a voice in the policies that affect them,” said Senator Plummer. “This program is meant to educate students about state government and empower the next generation to understand their role in shaping public policy and to take an active interest in the future of our state.”
Austin Law, a senior at Bond County High School, emphasized the importance of taking advantage of opportunities like Senator Plummer’s YAC, saying, “Politics affects your everyday life. Anything in your societal life will eventually circle back around to politics…what was voted on and what will be put into place.”
Kenzie Harris from Ramsey High School added, “Young people need to understand how their government works so that when they’re older and able to vote, they can understand the process of what’s happening. It’s a great experience.”
Students began their experience with a tour of the Illinois State Capitol, where they explored the Senate and House chambers and learned about the history and structure of state government, while also hearing from guest speakers, lobbyists and Senate staff.
In the afternoon, students took part in a mock committee session, where they debated and voted on legislation they had developed earlier in the program. By stepping into the roles of lawmakers, lobbyists, members of the media and constituents, students gained a deeper understanding of how ideas become laws.
Tucker Aydt, a student from Centralia High School, said the hands-on experience helped bring the legislative process to life. “We’re learning about what would happen in the actual Senate and House of Illinois if a bill got passed by doing it ourselves,” he said.
“I know about the politics of my own country, but having the chance to learn about this one is great,” said Julia Marles, a foreign exchange student from Spain currently attending Richland County High School. “It’s a great opportunity to understand the state I’m living in and how decisions impact your life.”
“It’s great to see students from the 55th Senate District take such an active interest in their state government and come here to participate,” said Senator Plummer. “They brought good questions and are going to become great leaders in the next generation.”
The Youth Advisory Council is open to all high school students in the 55th Senate District. Students interested in participating are encouraged to contact Senator Plummer’s office for more information.
