On November 15, 37 students from the 26th Senate District took part in State Senator Dan McConchie’s Youth Advisory Council at the Ela Area Public Library, which gave students a hands-on learning experience about public policy and the legislative process.
“This program is a great way for students in my district to learn more about how state government works,” said Sen. McConchie. “Not only do students get to discuss ideas that are important to them, but they also get to hear from a wide variety of leaders throughout the community.”
The program began with a variety of speakers including, Pamela Althoff, State Senator, John Kass, Columnist, Chicago Tribune, Mike Nerheim, Lake County State’s Attorney, and Bonnie Conte, small business owner.
Students then broke into groups to develop ideas for possible state legislation. They then took a popular vote on one mock legislative proposal.
That proposal will carry over to the Spring Youth Advisory Council, which will take place on-site at the Capitol in Springfield. There, the students will participate in a mock committee hearing where they will discuss their legislative proposal in detail. While in Springfield, students will also get to visit the Senate floor and experience the legislative process first-hand.
“It’s great to see young students engage in the policy-making process,” said McConchie. “This is my second year putting on this program, and each time I have been extremely pleased with the quality of students my senate district is producing.