Kifowit Legislation Creates Illinois Youth Advisory Council

AURORA, Ill. – Continuing her work to increase youth engagement and representation in state government, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, passed legislation on Tuesday creating the Illinois Youth Advisory Council to facilitate communication between youth in Illinois and elected officials on the issues, interests and needs important to youth.

“Several years ago, I created a Youth Advisory Council locally to invite high school and college students to share their ideas with me and encourage them to make positive change through civic engagement,” Kifowit said. “It was the spirit and passion from this group that inspired me to create a statewide advisory council for more youth to get involved and I’m excited about the opportunity it will bring for many more young leaders across Illinois.”

Kifowit’s House Bill 594 creates the Illinois Youth Advisory Council. The Council will be made up of 20 members, one appointed from each congressional district in Illinois and two at-large members. All members must be Illinois residents, between 16 and 22 years old, and enrolled at a high school, community college or university in Illinois. The Council will be responsible for engaging with the General Assembly by drafting legislation, offering testimony during committee hearings, providing positions on issues pending before the legislature and performing other activities impacting issues facing youth in Illinois. Kifowit’s legislation passed the House and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

“Young adults are the leaders of our next generation and it’s important for them to have a seat at the table on issues impacting their lives,” Kifowit said. “This Advisory Council will create a new and unique platform for high school and college students from every corner of the state to have a voice in the legislative process.”

For more information regarding her committees or legislation, please visit Kifowit’s website at ILDistrict84.com or email her at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.