Metro East Sun

State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) recently hosted 45 students from 11 different high schools at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield as part of her Spring Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The Senator expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “This is a great opportunity to connect high school students with state government and is a highlight of my service as a state legislator.” She added, “I am thrilled to see so many high school students make the trip to Springfield for them to experience how things work and see the legislative process come to life.”

The Youth Advisory Council, a two-part series organized by Senator Harriss, began in the fall with students gathering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to draft bill ideas for debate during the Spring council. High school student Makenzie Jones from Alton High School shared her positive experience, stating, “It has been super fun and a good experience and it’s definitely something I feel like colleges and higher up schools would find unique.” Jones emphasized the importance of youth involvement in government, saying, “If we have a correct age demographic talking about how they want to be represented, then we will have a better government that better fits the entire population.”

During the Spring YAC, students took on various legislative roles such as citizen proponent/opponent, lobbyist proponent/opponent, democratic senator, republican senator, and press/media to debate their proposed legislation in a mock committee hearing. Collinsville High School Student, Margot Schusky, highlighted the significance of such opportunities, stating, “I think any opportunity to be involved in government or leadership is very important. I think from today, it really does show how the government works and the leadership opportunities.”

Senator Harriss welcomed State Representative Amy Elik and former State Representative Tim Butler, who currently serves as the President of the Illinois Railroad Association, to speak with the students at the Capitol. Edwardsville High School Student, Mihlali Kapatamoyo, expressed her newfound knowledge and the importance of being informed about state affairs, saying, “If you live in your state, you need to know what is going on. Even if you are not an adult, you should still be involved in your government.”

Participating high schools included Alton High School, Civic Memorial High School, Collinsville High School, East Alton – Wood River CHSD 14, Edwardsville High School, Granite City School District #9, Madison Community School District 12, Marquette Catholic High School, Maryville Christian School, Metro-East Lutheran High School, O’Fallon Township High School District 203, and Roxana Senior High School.

The event was supported by Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, providing refreshments and lunch for the Youth Advisory Councils. Photos from the Spring 2024 Youth Advisory Council can be viewed on Senator Harriss' website.