Student Forum Hosted by McNerney Brings Voice of Young People to Nation's Capital

March 25, 2011

Danville, CA – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) hosted a forum for high school students called “Your Voice in Washington” at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville yesterday.  At the event, groups of students from San Ramon Valley High School as well as representatives from Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon presented their ideas to the Congressman on issues of importance to young people. 

“The “Your Voice in Washington” forum was a great opportunity for me to hear directly from our community’s young people,” said Rep. McNerney.  “These future leaders shared their thoughts with me on a number of important issues.” 

The topics discussed at the event were chosen by the students and included education and health care policy as well as the federal budget and civil rights.  Following the event, Congressman McNerney will select one of these topics to speak about on the floor of the House of Representatives in the coming weeks.

“I’ll be reflecting on everything I heard and in the coming weeks I’ll choose one of the topics to speak about on the floor of the House of Representatives,” continued Rep. McNerney.  “I heard so many great suggestions that this decision is going to be difficult.  But I’m looking forward to bringing the ideas of our community’s young people to our Nation’s Capital.  It’s important that their voice is heard.”

Scott Nelson and Anna Tiner, both seniors at San Ramon Valley High School, participated in the forum and offered these words about the experience. 

“It’s exciting to know he cares about what kids think and it’s good to hear his views,” said Scott Nelson.  “CSPAN doesn’t get high ratings, but I’ll be watching! I’m looking forward to seeing his statement.” 

“I’m grateful he took the time,” said Anna Tiner.  “It’s important for teenagers to understand they matter and their voices are important. It’s a really cool opportunity to see the impact we had on TV.”