SPRINGFIELD – Thirty-three students from eight high schools in west central Illinois came to Springfield April 29 to experience firsthand the workings of their state government as part of State Sen. Jil Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council.

The students were recommended by officials from their respective schools to participate in the program. They traveled to the Capital City with chaperones from high schools in Virginia, North Greene, Bunker Hill, Unity, Winchester, Calhoun, Jacksonville, and Brown County districts.

“These outstanding young people came to Springfield to get a hands-on view of state government and learn a lot more about what is involved in the lawmaking process,” said Tracy (R-Quincy). “The activities planned for the Youth Advisory Council complement teacher and textbook learning because the students are part of the process that they have learned about in their classrooms.”

On April 29, the students first met with Sen. Tracy, State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, State Rep. Kyle Moore, and other legislative officials in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. After the students participated in a Snap the Capitol Photo Challenge, they heard a presentation from Alec Laird of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

Students then took on the roles of lawmakers, concerned citizens, lobbyists, and reporters in a mock committee hearing to debate and vote on Senate Bill 2049, a measure that gives owners and tenants of farmland the right to hunt specified wildlife animals or birds on their lands and waters without procuring hunting licenses year-round. After hearing testimony from the students serving as lobbyists and concerned citizens, the students serving as lawmakers voted on the issue.

“It’s interesting to watch these young people accept a specific task in the lawmaking process. They discuss and debate an issue, listen to the input of other stakeholders – proponents and opponents of the issue – then work together to determine the outcome of the legislation,” said Tracy. “They learn skills that will serve them well as they continue to develop into the future leaders of our communities, our state and our nation.”

Several students from the participating High Schools said the April 29 YAC event in Springfield gave them unique insight into government and professional development skills like public speaking and networking with students from other schools in their region.

Troy DeFrates of Jacksonville High School, who portrayed a reporter, said he enjoyed learning more about the state lawmaking process. “I thought it would be a good opportunity to gain a better understanding about what I have been learning in class. I think it is important because as we get older, we get more involved in what the government is doing. If we know more about the process, it’s better for the country,” DeFrates said.

When asked if he would recommend the YAC to other students, DeFrates said, “Take the opportunity. There is always a chance to learn things that you didn’t know about.”

Sadie Shoemaker of Unity High School, who portrayed a Senator, said the YAC expanded her perspective about the role of young people in government. “I love using my voice. I think that everyone should, and this is just a great opportunity to do so. This taught me that speaking out will make a difference,” Shoemaker said. “Our group is going to be taking charge sooner or later, and we should get involved and know how it all works.”

Brennan Fulton of Bunker Hill High School, who portrayed a citizen proponent, said he learned “there are so many cool things” about state government. “We toured the Senate, we toured the House of Representatives, and it was mind-blowing. There is so much that goes on that we don’t realize,” Fulton said. “I think it’s very important that we know more about what’s going on. It gives us different points of view if we learn from the people who have actually done it.”

For more information about Sen. Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council, contact her district office at 217-223-0833.