LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: August 16, 2008

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

Legislators and Students , Going Back to School

The hallways of Boone County schools are alive with the excitement of a new school year.  While another school year brings many new experiences, it can also mark the return of standing traditions.  One of those traditions soon to take place in schools across the Commonwealth is the America 's Legislators Back to School Program.

Scheduled to begin nationwide on September 15, the “ America 's Legislators Back to School Program” allows legislators the opportunity to explore with their young constituents how government functions and the different aspects of serving in the state legislature.  In turn, legislators receive a glimpse of  the students - tomorrow's voters and community leaders - concerns, respond to their questions and listen to their ideas.

“Legislators Back to School “ also corresponds with “Constitution Day”  providing the perfect opportunity to speak with students about one of the most unique government documents in  history, the US Constitution.  On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created that formed our Nation. The National Archives and Records Administration celebrates this important day in our nation's history by providing  Constitution Day activity suggestions, lesson plans and encouraging schools  and students  to learn more about our Constitution and government.

The theme "Your Ideas Count!”, is  a message that needs to resonate with young people.  In 1971, just thirty- seven years ago, 18 – 20  year olds gained the right to vote nationwide but since then, the number of young adults who exercise this privilege has dropped alarmingly low.  This critical time in our students' lives and it is imperative we emphasize the importance of civic responsibility and civic engagement.  Furthermore, we should challenge them to evaluate their feelings are in regards to state government and how our representative democracy relates to them and to explore political positions and platforms to gain an understanding of how impact our community and nation.

Events like Legislator Back to School  and Constitution Day programs are very much needed in  elementary, middle, and high schools throughout our Commonwealth and the nation. This program provides us, as policy-makers, the chance to promote civic education, but also allows us the opportunity to break the cycle of cynicism that is often felt about government and elected officials.  Fostering a positive attitude towards government is the key to the future of our nation and for  healthy government and civic participation.

Established in 1999 by the National Conference of State Legislatures civic education initiative, the Trust for Representative Democracy,  program is based on the principles of the United States Constitution and designed to help our children grown in their trust  and understanding for legislators and state government.

The doors of Boone County schools have just opened, and our staff will soon be contacting schools to make arrangements for a visit.  You can count on  Representatives Santoro, Koenig and I  visiting your school over the next few weeks.   Now that you know about the America 's Legislators Back to School Program, I would like to encourage you, as parents, to contact your child's teachers and ask them to participate in this program.  Teachers  who would like to schedule a visit  please contact our office in Frankfort at (502) 564-8100.  Working together, we can enhance out children's understanding of government today that will ensure their engagement in our state's and nation's future.

I wish every student a great school year!  Please never hesitate to contact me with your concerns. I can be reached  at home anytime, or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. Those with hearing impairments may leave messages for me by calling the TTY message Line at 1-800-896-0305 or you can e-mail me at addia.wuchner@lrc.ky.gov .   As  always, thank you for allowing me to represent you and your families in Frankfort .