This week, I’ll be participating in America’s Legislators Back to School Week. This exciting program, which is nationwide and bipartisan, is a unique opportunity to visit classrooms and talk to students about the importance of state government and the impact it has on their lives.

I’m pleased that so many schools are taking advantage of this program. I will meet personally with students of all ages in several schools in our community where I will answer questions, share ideas, and listen to concerns.

I plan to discuss with students the importance of debate and the legislative process at the state level. It’s important that students realize how action in the state government affects them and the areas where they live.

I will also try to instill the importance of voting to eligible students. Since 1972, the voter turnout rate among young Americans has fallen by some 15 percent – and the problem seems to be getting worse. Only 60 percent of people born after 1976 are registered to vote, and only 24 percent cast a ballot. I’m going to encourage our kids to vote and voice their opinions on issues. We must work together – legislators, parents, and educators – to get them excited about being citizens and how democracy works.

Sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislators and the Center for Civic Education, America’s Legislators Back to School Week, brings civics education to life for more than 250,000 students from New York to Hawaii who will meet with their state lawmakers during this week-long classroom initiative.

If you are interested in more information on Legislators Back to School Week, or if you have any other questions or comments, please contact my office at 435-3214, ramosp@assembly.state.ny.us or 1010 Suffolk Avenue, Brentwood, New York 11717.