Sweeney Speaks with Students from the Junior State of America Foundation

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney spoke to a group of exceptional high school students today selected to participate in the New Jersey Institute for Politics and Leadership Summit run by the Junior State of America Foundation (JSA). Senator Sweeney detailed the legislative process and the current state of New Jersey on the floor of the Senate Chambers.

“It’s always encouraging to see such eager and civic-minded young men and women,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “With only 56% of eligible voters voting in the 2018 general election, we as a state and as a country are in need of much more political engagement. These youth are the next generation of leaders in business, public policy and entrepreneurship and their interest in the legislative process will serve us all in the future.”

JSA is an international program that runs the New Jersey Institute for Politics and Leadership, a three day program where 60-70 exceptional students discuss and debate issues pertaining to statewide as well as national politics and develop their ability to write sample legislation.

“Part of the mission of Junior State of America and one of the goals of the JSA NJ Institute is for students to learn about local government and be inspired to become leaders,” said Elliot Bell-Krasner, Program Director of the JSA. “That is why we bring them to the state house and give them a behind-the-scenes look at how legislation is made and give them an opportunity to draft mock legislation of their own. Today’s discussion with the Senate President and Assembly Majority Leader has the potential to drive them to pursue a career in public service.”

The JSA was created by and for young people interested in what happens around them – from politics to the legislative process and community engagement. Since its founding in 1934, JSA has served as a place where students build leadership skills, learn civic debate, and strengthen their commitment through volunteering and activism.