Students learn about state government, public policy
Dozens of high school students from across State Senator Sue Rezin’s 38th Senate District traveled to Springfield on April 11 to participate in her Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
Sen. Rezin’s bi-annual YAC gives students a unique, up-close and hands-on perspective of what it would be like to work in various roles in state government.
“I first met these students during the first installment of my Youth Advisory Council back in the fall, and I continue to be amazed by their level of engagement and interest,” said Sen. Rezin. “This event gives students a chance to really dig into public policy. It’s important that we, as legislators, engage with our young people through the legislative process because they are the leaders of our future.”
Sen. Rezin hosted the all-day Youth Advisory Council at the Capitol, where she talked with high school students from St. Bede Academy, Coal City, Morris, Wilmington, LaSalle-Peru, Ottawa, and Putnam County High Schools about Illinois government and how the Legislature operates.
The students also toured the Capitol, watched Senate Floor action from the gallery, and were able to hear from a wide variety of speakers, including Chicago mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot.
The students later participated in a mock committee hearing, where they were broken up into groups representing the key players in the realm of public policy including senators, lobbyists, and concerned citizens.
“I host this event every year, and every year I’m just as impressed as the last about how informed these kids are in the legislative process,” said Sen. Rezin. “It’s refreshing to see the passion they have on issues that matter to them.”