During the Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day on Wednesday, April 13 in Springfield more than 225 students from around Illinois had an opportunity to visit the State Capitol, view state government in action and question their legislators on key issues. They heard from their local state senators and representatives and some even met Governor Bruce Rauner.
They also were invited into the office of Secretary of State Jesse White. During lunch, Treasurer Michael Frerichs addressed students and chaperones and challenged them to take an interest in the political process, and encouraged them to follow their dreams and do what interests them because life can take interesting turns and twists. While in Springfield, the students also visited the Supreme Court, Old State Capitol and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
At the end of the day the students were interviewed for the chance to participate in the Youth to Washington Tour from June 10 – 17, 2016. Youth Day is designed to introduce young rural leaders to state government. There were 26 co-ops from across the state represented at the event. 
