April 22, 2015

Media Advisory – Youth Government Day

Several of Illinois’ leading young legislators and officials will share their perspectives about politics and public service on Saturday, April 25, at the 15th annual Youth Government Day, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. 

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover any and all of the events. For more information, contact Linda Baker, institute and university professor, at 217/553-6660 or lrbaker@siu.edu. 

“Youth Government Day is an opportunity for Illinois students to learn about state government and President Lincoln,” David Yepsen, institute director said. “Students visit the state capitol, tour the offices and hear from experts about how state government works and where the decisions get made.  They also have an opportunity to tour the Lincoln Museum and learn about his history.” 

Lance Trover, the communications director for Gov. Bruce Rauner, will present the opening keynote address. Trover, a Vienna native and 2006 SIU School of Law graduate, previously was communications director for U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and deputy communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He also worked at the institute. 

Other speakers in breakout sessions include newly elected state representatives Avery Bourne, R-Litchfield, and Carol Ammons, D-Champaign. State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, will present the afternoon keynote address. 

The schedule is:

  • 9 a.m. -- Welcoming remarks, Martin Simon, son of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, founder of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. Illinois House floor.
  • 9:05 a.m. -- Keynote speaker, Lance Trover, communications director for Gov. Bruce Rauner. Illinois House floor.
  • 10 a.m. -- Breakout sessions where students rotate through presentations in the Illinois House and Illinois Senate chambers, and Senate Hearing Room 212. State Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Litchfield will present on the Senate floor, and state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Champaign, will present on the House floor. Sheleda Doss, deputy legislative director in state Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office; David Kelm, senior legal counsel to Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin, and Sean M. Flynn, legislative and regulatory affairs at Neil F. Flynn & Associates, will present in Senate Hearing Room 212.
  • Noon -- Lunch, William G. Stratton Building cafeteria.
  • 1 p.m. -- Keynote speaker, state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, Howlett Auditorium.
  • 2 p.m. -- Closing remarks, Linda Baker, institute and university professor, Howlett Auditorium.