Congresswoman Anna Eshoo spent time with the 18th Congressional Districts Student Advisory Board, SAB, during the group’s meeting on May 7 at the Civic Center.
This year’s Student Advisory Board brought together students from Coast Redwood, Scotts Valley, and San Lorenzo Valley High School. These students put together research reports and presentations that were centered on the economy; students chose topics such as Human Trafficking, Immigration and the Dream Act.
Due to her desire for feedback from the younger generations, Eshoo started the SAB the year she was elected. It gives students who are too young to vote and do not have time to attend town hall meetings, the opportunity to have their voices heard.
“Their policy ideas have spanned a broad spectrum of topics, from alternative energy, medical ethics and foreign affairs, to campaign finance reform, education, environmental policies and gun control,” Eshoo said.
“The work of the students and their recommendations have been integrated into my work in Congress and enriched it,” she said, “And their leadership and scholarship continue to be a great source of inspiration to me.”
The presidents of the board were San Lorenzo Valley High School students Austin Bernard and Mikaela Slade. The other four members included Jurgen Prambs, Iliana Hayes, Brett Bukowski, and Austin Bernard.
The presentations began with a brief introduction from the Mayor of Scotts Valley, Dene Bustichi and California State Assemblymember, Mark Stone.
Prambs said the board chose prominent contemporary issues like immigration and the economy for a specific reason.
“The economy is a nationally recognized issue that truly need to be remediated, and soon. As members of the upcoming generation, it is up to students like us on the Student Advisory Board to make the difference that we seek regarding the economy,” said Prambs.
After all the students gave a three to four minute presentation, the congresswoman gave her feedback upon each student’s legislative suggestions. Eshoo handed out Congressional recognition awards to students to show her appreciation for their hard work.
“I’m confident that every student who has served on the Board over the years will be a fine citizen and contribute to the well-being of our country.”
