MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Young Vermonters met at the state capitol Tuesday morning to make their voices heard on the state’s most pressing issues.
Two years ago, lawmakers created the Vermont State Youth Council, aimed at getting young people’s opinions on what the state should focus on.
For the last year, they have met and drafted recommendations on education, youth voices, climate change, mental health, equity and anti-racism.
They met with the governor, lieutenant governor and lawmakers, pitching ideas they hope legislators will take up this session.
They say the State Youth Council gives them a platform to have their voices and their opinions heard.
“How can we build a Vermont that works for everyone? Has affordable housing for young people so they can become homeowners? How can we make this a state where people want to move to and stay in?” said Josh Stearns, a senior at Hanover High School who lives in Norwich.
They also want more communities to adopt charter changes allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections, like in Brattleboro.