Messmer Column: Students can gain valuable civics lesson at Statehouse

Local Sources- On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) shares how students can gain valuable civics lesson at Statehouse.

Civic engagement is a cornerstone of American democracy. For those 18 and older, voting is one way to participate in your government. While many might believe that engaging in government is only for adults, children can also get involved through a unique opportunity at the Statehouse.

Each year, students in grades six through 12 from across the state of Indiana participate in the Senate Page Program.

Students who participate in the one-day program get a tour of the Indiana Statehouse, listen to debate and help Senate staff with age-appropriate tasks. Participants will also have an opportunity to meet their state senator.

Positions often fill quickly, so you should apply early if you're interested.

The application can be found by visiting IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/page-program.

During their visit, pages will have the opportunity to see Hoosiers work with their state lawmakers to craft legislation that impacts our state.

With the influence that state government has on our communities, it is important for our youngest Hoosiers to have an understanding of the legislative process and how actions at the Statehouse impact our daily lives.

I always enjoy seeing students from Senate District 48 serve as pages, and hope to welcome more students this session.

The Senate Page Program will begin in January and run through early April. Pages are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the legislative session. Their day starts at 8:30 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Groups that serve together come on Wednesdays. Serving as a page is considered an excused absence from school.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with any questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.