State Senator Jim Brewster hosted Student Government Day at the Community College of Allegheny County at the Boyce campus in Monroeville, PA in May.  Seven students from the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center joined students from Auberle, Burrell, Gateway, McKeesport, Plum, Serra Catholic, and Springdale High Schools.   The morning sessions centered around State Government, how it really works, learning about lobbying, choosing a side, and picking issues.   The panelists included PA State Senator Jay Costa, several of his staff, PA State Representatives Bill Kortz, Eli Evankovich, Rick Saccone, and representatives from Highmark, Inc., PHEAA, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., PA Turnpike Commission, PA Trial Lawyers Association, PA Department of Transportation, Duquesne Light,  Allegheny County District Attorney, Government Relations from the University of Pittsburgh and others.

The afternoon was a mock senate session on “School Vouchers”.  Students divided into political parties.  Each party chose a representative to argue their side of the question.  Participating in the process shows how difficult and frustrating it can be to come to a consensus.  The students gained a firsthand look at what Senators do and how decisions are made.

Each school group had a picture opportunity with PA Senator Brewster.