Carbondale Reporter

State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) recently hosted the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program in Springfield, welcoming high school students from across the 58th Senate District. The initiative aimed to educate students about the legislative process and empower them to engage in government affairs.

Sen. Bryant expressed her intentions for the program, stating, "I want these students to be able to leave here understanding that they can have a real impact on our legislative process and the state as a whole." She also highlighted the tangible influence of the students' ideas, mentioning, "I was able to turn their idea from the fall into real legislation...I believe it has influenced the movement of a similar bill in the House known as Faith’s Law."

The YAC program, which consists of two meetings per school year, provides a platform for students to propose ideas for new legislation. One such proposal this year aimed to address inappropriate relationships between teachers and students, regardless of the student's age. This initiative led to the creation of Senate Bill 2823 by Sen. Bryant.

Reflecting on the experience, Marbry Wingerter from Chester High School shared, "This was something that I never thought I would be really interested in until I went to the fall event and gained a lot more interest. Everything about this has been great. I feel like I have been heard and have a better understanding of what goes on in our state government."

During a recent meeting, students engaged in a mock committee hearing, assuming different roles in the legislative process. Sam Vancil from Du Quoin High School emphasized the importance of understanding government processes, stating, "It is important for young people to have an understanding of how government works because at some point, we will have to take over the cup whenever the older generation isn’t able to do it."

Owen Grimes from Edwards County High School expressed his newfound perspective, saying, "This event has opened my eyes to the fact that the people who make laws are just regular people. I’m learning that this is something that I may be able to do someday myself."

Sen. Bryant's YAC program continues to offer high school students in the 58th Senate District the opportunity to engage with government processes. Interested students are encouraged to inquire with their teachers and principals to participate in future sessions.