Senator Plummer Hosts Annual Youth Advisory Council

“This is a great opportunity for students to come together and develop a clearer understanding of the legislative process, learn how policies impact young people today, and even contribute to creating potential legislation,” said Senator Plummer. “It’s important to engage students, especially here in the 55th Senate District, and help them recognize the importance of staying informed and involved in state government. Decisions made at the local, state, and federal levels directly affect their lives.”

Cooper Dodson from Centralia High School is a three-year veteran of the event and said, “I’ve enjoyed this event every year!” He noted that he thinks it is important for students to take part in this event, because “For students to have a voice in government means that students know what’s going on in the world around them. I feel like this event helps explain what’s going on in their lives.”

In addition to hearing from Senator Plummer, the day featured presentations from George Evans, the President of Kaskaskia College, and Joshua Morrison, a Resident Circuit Judge in the region. Both joined the event to share their stories, speak to the students about their roles, and emphasize the importance of being involved in their communities.

Naomi Knapp, a student from Breese Central Community High School said, “I really enjoy politics and want to be a politician when I grow up, so I really enjoy hearing from everybody and how they care about people because it gives a lot of hope to see how much they are public servants.”

After hearing from the guest speakers, students were brought together to create legislative ideas they would like to see come to fruition.  They were given the opportunity to present their ideas to the other members of the council and vote for their favorite.

Aly Pace, a senior at Highland High School, said, “Today has been a nice opportunity to try something new and learn more about the legislative process.” She added, “I think it’s important for all careers to be aware of what’s going on with their government and their community because it affects every single job and position…. I think it’s important to be informed.”

In the Spring, the students will come to the Capitol, be assigned legislative roles, and will be given the chance to debate the bill they created.  After multiple presentations and rounds of voting by the students, the legislative idea overwhelmingly chosen by the students was a bill to cut and dramatically reform the estate tax in Illinois to help family-owned farms and businesses continue to grow, provide jobs, and spark economic opportunity in our communities.

Plummer added, “This is one of my favorite events each year, it’s a great opportunity to hear ideas from our young leaders and provide them with a wonderful experience.  The students brought forward a range of creative ideas, I was impressed with their grasp of current events, policy, and their desire to present thoughtful solutions to some of the serious problems our state and communities face.”

Naomi added, “I’m excited to see the Capitol. I’ve never been there. I’m also excited to participate in a mock hearing and experience this on a bigger scale.”

“It was a truly impressive group of students from across the 55th State Senate District. I look forward to seeing how they turn these ideas into actionable legislation during the spring session,” added Plummer.