Illinois state Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) came away from his inaugural Youth Advisory Conference thoroughly convinced that his Southern Illinois community is in good hands going forward.
“What an impressive group of students – Southern Illinois has a bright future,” Plummer recently posted on Facebook. “The students listened to two great guest speakers. After the speakers and some Joe's Pizza, the students worked in small groups to discuss important issues facing them, their families and their communities. Each group then had to do a presentation and Q&A on their issue.”
More than 70 students and faculty members from nearly 20 high schools spanning all eight counties in the 54th state Senate District took part in the event at Kaskaskia College’s Vandalia campus. Plummer has vowed that the students' efforts will not end with the conclusion of the conference.
“I committed to the students that I would present their issue in legislative form at the State Capitol,” Plummer said. “After the initial presentations, the students voted and narrowed their choice to three groups who all presented again.”
At least some of the students will meet with Plummer again at the State Capitol to expand upon their ideas, which included the winning theme of regionalizing the minimum wage. After that meeting, Plummer says he plans to introduce their proposal to the General Assembly.
“I had a great time meeting with these students and showing them that each and every person could have a big impact on their community,” Plummer said. “They just need to set their goals, work hard and never give up.”
Still in his first term in Springfield, Plummer sits on the House Appropriations Committee, Environment and Conservation Committee, Executive Appointments Committee, Financial Institutions Committee, and Public Health Committee. His 54th District includes all or parts of Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, Marion and St. Clair counties.
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