MORRIS – Nearly 50 high school students from across the 38th Senate District participated in a unique, hands-on experience in public policy, state government, and leadership Oct. 24 during State Senator Sue Rezin’s annual Youth Advisory Council.
“I’m always excited to host this event every year, and am always impressed with the quality of students that our local schools are fostering,” said Sen. Rezin. “What impresses me most is how involved and knowledgeable these students are about today’s issues. It leaves me no doubt that our future is in great hands.”
Rezin hosted the all-day event at Morris City Hall. Participating students were selected by teachers and principals from Reed-Custer, Ottawa, Putnam County, Hall, LaSalle-Peru, Morris, Streator, Serena, Wilmington, Newark, and Coal City high schools.
Students started off the day hearing from not only Sen. Rezin, but also David Welter, Illinois State Representative (District 75), and Luke Tomsha, Executive Director at The Perfectly Flawed Foundation.
Students then broke off into groups, where they were asked to work together to develop ideas for possible new state legislation. During these discussions, Sen. Rezin spent time with each small group, asking students questions about their proposed policy change and how they would advocate for their issue. At the end of the day, each group presented their proposal and took questions from the rest of the group.
Sen. Rezin’s Youth Advisory Council is a two-part experience. Students will meet with Sen. Rezin again in the spring where they will participate in a mock committee hearing at the State Capitol in Springfield.
