South Central Reporter

In the wake of the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, the secretary of state issued directives to protect the public from the coronavirus spread and Sen. Steve McClure also announced a postponement of a program for youth.

McClure announced a postponement of the spring Youth Advisory Council meeting, according to his website.

“The Illinois secretary of state has ordered that no large groups of visitors come to the Capitol complex at least until April 1, which I believe is a reasonable precaution," said McClure on his site. "While we could potentially find an alternate site for the event, out of an abundance of caution, I am postponing the event. On April 1, we will reevaluate the situation.”

The Youth Advisory Council gives high school students a chance to learn the process of state government through constructive engagements. It’s through the program that the students propose new ideas that would help to improve their communities and learn about public services from their local leaders.

The capitol is often packed with students during spring, where they engage and mingle with people involved in lawmaking. The students then get a chance of conducting a mock committee hearing that handles the legislation they proposed. 

“Working with young people to get them interested in public service is one of my favorite parts of my job as a legislator, so I remain optimistic that we may be able to put together another date later in the year,” McClure stated. “In the meantime, we should all do everything we can to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. I urge people to please follow the advice of health professionals in this trying time.”