On December 9^th, Mid-Atlantic State Governor Shawn Rusterholz and Northeast Governor Rachel Weber visited Capitol Hill to support the efforts of two key members of Congress who have sponsored legislation to increase civic learning and involvement in schools across the nation.  The Sandra Day O’Connor Civic Learning Act of 2011 mirrors the mission of JSA and JSA’s new National Civic Activism Initiative.

Last month, Democratic Congressman Mike Honda of California’s 15^th district and Republic Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma’s 4^th district (pictured here with Rusterholz and Weber) proposed House Resolution 3464, which, if passed, would give the Department of Education the necessary resources and capabilities to properly gauge the proficiency of students across the country on civic education topics as well as establish a competitive grant program for civic learning that will stress innovation in civic learning and providing programs for currently under-served school populations.

The two governors met with Congressman Cole in his office to discuss the importance of civic education for the nation’s future and how the proposed legislation can help countless students nationwide. Additionally, they met with Lynn Hommeyer, an education policy aide in Congressman Honda’s office. At this meeting, they also discussed the importance of the legislation, as well as ways for which students across the country can become involved in civic education programs at their schools.  Ms. Hommeyer also gave Rusterholz and Weber a tour of the House Floor.

“I am really excited about the progress that we have made on this issue. Civic education is so important for the future of this nation,” Shawn remarked. “Just the experience of coming to Capitol Hill and meeting with Congressmen and Congressional staffers is so rewarding. This experience in itself is a lesson in civic education.”

Governor Rusterholz delivered nearly 300 letters signed by students from the Mid-Atlantic State at their recent Fall State convention in support of Congressman Honda’s and Congressman Cole’s efforts. The letters praised their sponsorship of the House bill and included a call to action of the nation’s leaders to recognize civic education as a noble and important cause for the United States to focus on over the coming years.

Interested in learning more about the Junior State’s National Activism Initiative or HR 3464? Contact Max Brozynski at mbrozynski@jsa.org.