February 2009

Youth from across the state converged on Missouri’s Capital to “Capture the Capital…in session.” This three day experience was sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development Program.

 

 

Youth were able to tour the capital, be introduced on the House and Senate floors, meet with their respective representatives and state senators, and hold a discussion panel with leaders from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Rural Electric Cooperatives, Division of Youth Services, Farm Bureau, Missouri Department of Transportation (MO Dot), Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Pork Producers and Missouri Beef Industry Council.

 

The program also included a presentation by Jim Snider of University of Missouri Government Relations. The Legislative Academy delegates toured the Missouri Supreme Court and visited with Justice Mary Russell.

 

 

The delegates were also offered a wonderful and rewarding experience to job shadow their legislators for a day at the Capital. It was a chance for many to sit in on committee meetings and to discover everything Missouri’s legislative branch has to offer its young people.

The delegates were given a first class Whispering Gallery capitol tour by District 1 Representative Brian Munzlinger.

 

The delegates concluded their stay in Jefferson City with a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, a luncheon with the Missouri Department of Conservation, and a visit to Central Dairy.

 

 

 

The delegates would like to thank all the legislators for their hospitality and support of the University of Missouri Extension and 4-H programs. They would like to send special thanks to the legislators that allowed them to spend some time with them during the course of the three days and to Senator Bill Stouffer and his Chief of Staff Aaron Baker for all their help and hospitality.

Quotes from the participants and more about Legislative Academy.