Blackshear Introduces Legislation to Create a "Statewide Youth Council"

Yesterday, state Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton) introduced a bill to establish the Statewide Youth Council in the Office of the Governor. This council will advise the governor and General Assembly on legislation and issues that affect youth in the state, while providing a forum for increased civic participation and valuable experience for young Ohioans.

“The goal of this legislation is to promote genuine youth civic engagement,” said Blackshear. “This council will provide an opportunity for high school students to take on leadership rolesand advocate for youth in their respective communities. It will also serve to better inform us as legislators. We make countless decisions that affect young people in our districts, often with limited input from the children and teenagers whose lives our policies impact. Let’s involve these critical stakeholders while giving them a chance to develop their leadership skills.”

The council would consist of 20 high school students appointed by the governor to serve 2-year terms. Prospective members must apply for appointment consideration. Meetings for the council will be primarily virtual to accommodate members from across the state. Among the items the council will be tasked with include:

• Legislative advocacy and advising the General Assembly.
• Seeking public engagement and input to recommend legislation that addresses issues faced by youth in Ohio.

Many other states have developed a statewide youth council led by youth, including Arizona, Iowa, North Carolina, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, and Washington, while many other states have some variations of city or regional youth councils.