I’ve gotten to do one of my favorite things recently – share the importance of government with the next generation.
This past week I talked to freshmen and high school government classes and alternative education students at Wilson Public Schools. We talked about the recent election, politics in general and the process of voting. I’m hoping not only to get them thinking about how important their voices are in future elections but in maybe thinking about running for office themselves someday.
This doesn’t just mean at the state or national level, but can start at the local school board or the city council or county commission. It can be for county clerk, district attorney, sheriff, treasurer, you name it.
The students at Wilson asked great questions and stayed involved in the conversation. They wanted to discuss the recent general election and what effects that might have here locally. It was a great discussion.
Before the election, I spoke to eighth-grade history students at Dickson Middle School. I also spoke to the 10th-grade government class at Lone Grove High School.
The week of the election, alternative education students from Kingston High School visited me at the Capitol. I showed them the House Chamber, and we sat for several hours discussing the political process.
On Veterans Day, I attended a veterans appreciation breakfast and an assembly at Turner Public Schools. Afterwards, I was invited by Lora Minyard to come speak to her fifth-grade class. It was a treat.
I love visiting with these young people, talking to them about the importance of elections and policy andtherolegovernmentandelected officials play in their lives. How much they will pay in taxes as adults; the kinds of restrictions they may or may not face as property and business owners, as potential workers and just as citizens; the quality of the roads they will drive on, the schools they will go to, the health and mental health care services they will have available to them – so much of this depends on decisions made by those elected to represent them.
I’ll be speaking to students at Plainview Schools in December, and I hope to squeeze in a few more visits before our legislative session starts in February.
For high school juniors and seniors who truly have an interest in government, the House has a page program each year. Applications for the next legislative session open Dec. 1. Students also can talk to their high school counselors about the program. Additional details are available on our House website: https://former.okhouse.gov/Pages/.
This program gives students the chance to come to the Capitol for one week during session to view the legislative process up close. Students take part in a mock session. They write and present their own legislation on the floor of the House chamber. They vote for leaders from among their peers. They work in the office of the member that sponsors them, and so much more. I love giving young people this opportunity to be involved in their government.
Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh. Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
If I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh.Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
Rep.JoshCantrell,aRepublican, serves District 49 Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Carter, Love and Marshall counties.