Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council gives Hoosier students voice in state policymaking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, August 22, 2008
Media Contacts:
Avon Waters, 317.234.4703, awaters@doe.in.gov
Kate Clark, 317.232.6648, kclark@doe.in.gov

Eighteen Hoosier youth are tackling major issues facing state and local governments as part of their appointment to the first Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council. Representing communities across Indiana, the students will advise state legislators on a variety of matters affecting Indiana youth and adults.

“The health of our democracy depends upon well-educated and actively involved citizens,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed. “This council gives young Hoosiers a unique opportunity to participate in government. What they learn through the experience will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Created earlier this year through House Enrolled Act 1162, legislators charged the council with focusing on 10 key social issues: education, employment, poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, foster care, emotional and physical health, safe environments for youth, increasing youth involvement in government and improving youth access to state and local services.

The council is one of 18 such groups nationally that put youth in a leadership and advisory role in state and local government. Appointed by state lawmakers and the governor, council members serve two-year terms with the possibility of serving a maximum of four years. Indiana’s current members include:

Danielle Nicole Lutton, Anderson
Kaylie Scherer, Bloomington
Sarah Kelsey, Crawfordsville
Justin D. Kingsolver, Fishers
John Jacquet, Forest
Lawrence Batiste, Gary
Vinchessica Gray, Gary
Lauren Howard, Indianapolis
Krystin Johnson, Indianapolis
Terry Majors, Indianapolis
Douglas Sprowl, Indianapolis
Wyatt Jackson, Milltown
Kaitlyn Walker, Mooresville
Cassady Palmer, Syracuse
Blake Louis Kleaving, Tell City
Mary Kathryn Etling, Terre Haute
Mary Elizabeth Roberts, West Terre Haute
Kyle Gough, Wolcottville

The students must submit a report to legislators with recommendations and findings related to these issues each November. Indiana Department of Education Legislative and Governmental Relations staffers Joel Hand and Kate Clark provide assistance to the newly formed team. The next council meeting will take place September 22 in Indianapolis.