Illinois Valley Times

Illinois state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) was recently given reason to feel optimistic about the state’s long-term future after hosting nearly 50 high school students from the 38th District as part of her annual Youth Advisory Council.

“I’m always excited to host this event every year, and always impressed with the quality of students that our local schools are fostering,” Rezin said in a press release. “What impresses me most is how involved and knowledgeable these students are about today’s issues. It leaves me no doubt that our future is in great hands.”

Held at Morris’ City Hall, the Oct. 24 event focused on Rezin sharing “unique, hands-on experience in public policy, state government and leadership” with students.

Illinois state Rep. David Welter (R-Morris)

Students from Reed-Custer, Ottawa, Putnam County, Hall, LaSalle-Peru, Morris, Streator, Serena, Wilmington, Newark and Coal City high schools all took part in the event after having been chosen by principals and teachers from their schools. After hearing from state Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) and Perfectly Flawed Foundation Executive Director Luke Tomsha, students were separated into groups where they directly interacted with Rezin in developing ideas for possible new state legislation for which they were later responsible for advocating.

Rezin’s Youth Advisory Council is a two-part experience with the same students scheduled to meet with her again later this year in Springfield, where they will take part in a mock committee hearing.

The veteran lawmaker Rezin has served since 2010. She is a member of the Republican House Education, Government Accountability/Pensions, and Revenue and Interscholastic Athletics committees.

Her 38th District includes Bureau, Putnam, LaSalle, Grundy and Kendall counties in north central Illinois.