Chester. Skoufis hosts first Student Advisory Council meeting

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) recently hosted the first meeting of his Student Advisory Council at the Chester Public Library.

More than 15 students from throughout the Senate District attended the meeting to discuss their goals as well as their interests and issues they see on the homefront. They represented Monroe-Woodbury, Cornwall, Chester, New Windsor, Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery, Washingtonville and North Rockland school districts.

Skoufis talked about the legislative and political processes and answered questions ranging from hyper-local issues to macro-focused topics such as the 2020 Census.

“It was exciting and inspiring to kick off our first meeting with a group of students who are this engaged and I thank them for lending their voices to our Council," Skoufis said. "I hope that as a young legislator myself, I can provide meaningful insight and resources to students who have an interest in public service or leadership. I look forward to continuing to build on this effort and encourage students who are interested to apply.”

Jacob Mott, founder and head organizer of the Chester GreenTeenMovement and member of the Student Advisory Council said: "By creating a Student Advisory Council, Senator James Skoufis has effectively provided an outlet for real political experience and discussion, open to all of the students in his district. Youth involvement and engagement in government are both crucial to the American Dream, which was built on the promise of hope and opportunity to all who may seek it.”

The Student Advisory Council is open to high school students throughout the Senate District. Students will work on a collaborative project, discuss issues that matter to them and hear directly from guest speakers. Students who are interested in applying for the council should send an email to gulotta@nysenate.gov with the subject line “Student Advisory Council.”