Senator
Sally Turner Hosts Youth Advisory Council in Springfield
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[April 26, 2024]
Last week, State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason)
welcomed dozens of high school students from across the 44th Senate
District to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield to learn more
about the state’s legislative process as part of her Youth Advisory
Council (YAC) program.
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“The
students that took part in my Youth Advisory Council were fantastic.
They were attentive, participated in good discussions and asked
thoughtful questions.” said Sen. Turner. “I truly hope this event
taught them that they don’t have to be a legislator or even a
lobbyist to get involved in our legislative process and make a
positive impact on our state.”
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 propose ideas for new legislation. This year,
students put forward a proposal meant to require schools to offer
healthier and more nutritious food options.
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“Being involved in government is literally what I
want to do in life, so I believe this experience has really opened
potential doors and helped me build relationships and necessary
skills,” said Olympia High School Student Jorgi Dupurer. “The
earlier that someone gets involved in government, the more they’re
going to learn and the more empowered they will feel.”
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During the spring 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 Complex. The students had the
opportunity to serve as concerned citizens and lobbyists who
advocated for and against the proposal, reporters who covered
the committee hearing, and lawmakers who discussed and voted on
the proposal legislation.
“The government and laws in general are a huge part of everyone’s
life, no matter how old they are,” said Blue Ridge High School
Student Romero Fernandez. “It is so important for the younger
generation to understand how it all works and how we can in fact
have a major influence on what happens.”
“I learned a lot about how our governmental process works,” said
Monticello High School Student Catie Swartz. “More importantly, I
learned how to communicate with others, listen and learn from their
opinions, and how to share your own beliefs.”
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
Senior Communications Strategist
Communications and Public Affairs] |