|
Senator Sally Turner hosts Youth
Advisory Council for local high school students
[April 16, 2025]
Springfield, IL— Last week,
State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) welcomed around 30 high school
students from the 44th Senate District to the Illinois State Capitol
to participate in her Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program. The
students were able to learn more about state government, public
service, and the legislative process through a hands-on experience.
Students had the opportunity to tour the Capitol, visit the Senate
chamber, and learn about the inner workings of state government.
They also heard from lobbyists and policy experts about how
legislation is shaped before taking part in their own mock committee
debate.
“These students are the future of our government, so it is important
for them to get involved at a young age,” said Senator Sally Turner.
“We want to raise good public servants, and this is a great
opportunity for them to get a glimpse of our government in action.”
Senator Turner stressed that it is
important for the youth to see how committees work and how a bill
makes it to the Senate floor.
“It was a great day to learn and understand our state government,”
said Dee-Mack High School Student Sylvia Steier. “You can make the
world a better place when you know what is going on in the
government around you.”
This event was an opportunity that allowed students to engage with
one another in the legislative process, an experience that was a
first for many of the students.
“I plan on being a politician when I get older, so this was an
incredible experience to see if I truly want to continue that goal,”
said Mabry Lynn, a High School Student from Olympia High School.
“This event is an important opportunity to learn that you can
advocate for yourself and others, and that lawmakers will listen to
you.”
“I have enjoyed participating in
Senator Turner’s Youth Advisory Council program,” said Blue Ridge
High School Student Karly Warner. “In the fall, I was able to work
with students from other schools to create our mock bill. I will be
playing the role of a citizen in support of the bill during our mock
committee and arguing why this bill is important to me.”
[to top of second column] |
During their
visit, students had the opportunity to hear from State Senator
Erica Harriss of the 56th Senate District. The Illinois Railroad
Association President, Tim Butler, also spoke to the students
about his experience as both a former legislator and lobbyist.
“I learned that the lawmakers want to hear from us. The senators
and representatives want to know what we want and what we need,”
said Carter Clark, a High School Student from Mt. Pulaski High
School. “The youth need to be involved in local and state
government because we are the future.”
Senator Turner’s Youth Advisory
Council provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with
state government and develop a deeper understanding of how laws are
made. The program is open to high school students across the 44th
Senate District, and those interested in participating in future
events are encouraged to contact their principal or superintendent
for more information.
[Text received from Marcus J. Durrett
Senior Communications Strategist
Communications and Public Affairs
Illinois Senate Republican Staff
 |
