Senator Sally Turner Hosts Students in Springfield to Learn about the Legislative Process

 

[March 24, 2023]    On March 16, dozens of high school students from across the 44th Senate District were welcomed to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield by State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) to learn more about the state’s legislative process as part of her Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program.

“I want the students to be able to leave here with a basic understanding on how the committee structure works and how a bill comes into fruition. I think the actual process is a little stranger than what we learn in your history or civics class,” said Sen. Turner. “I also want them to understand that we are just people like them. I hope they see that and know that is something that they can aspire to be a part of public service.

Sen. Turner’s YAC program allows local high school students to learn more about government through two meetings held each school year. During the fall meeting, students heard from local leaders and had the opportunity to discuss issues important to them.

“I wanted to come to the Youth Advisory Council because I am interested in the possible field of journalism or political science, so I was really excited to see how our government works and be able to experience that for a day,” Morton High School Student Arlie Akers. “This is a great event and opportunity to take part in. This is something that not a lot of people get to do, so it is a unique experience and one that will allow you to take skills into whatever future path you go into.”

“I think it is important for young people to learn about the legislative process because it affects everyone,” Heyworth High School Student Ava Longfellow. “While it may not affect us directly right now because we can’t vote, a bill that is put in place now could affect us years down the line, so it is important to be knowledgeable about the process.”

During this week’s meeting, students took on the various roles involved in the legislative process for a mock committee hearing in an actual Senate committee room at the Capitol. The students served as lawmakers discussing and voting on the proposal, concerned citizens and lobbyists advocating for and against the issue, and reporters covering the hearing.

“I’m going into political science, so I thought it was a good idea to come to this,” Monticello High School Student Biniam Lienhart. “I’ve learned that communication is a big key to this. It’s important to know when to speak and how to speak while being confident is pretty crucial for what I want to do.”

“I feel like I am going to get a lot of good talking and presentation skills from this experience,” Mt. Pulaski High School Student Emma Petro. “It is really important for the younger generation to learn those skills because it is something that we often lack due to the fact we are behind screens for most things.”

Sen. Turner’s YAC program is open to high school students in the 44th Senate District each year. She encourages interested students to ask their teachers and/or principals about taking part in the future.

[Marcus J. Durrett
Illinois Senate Republican Staff
Communications and Public Affairs]