St. Paul, MN - The 2023 Legislative Session has reached its halfway point, and as bills move through the legislative process, past and present members of the Winona Model Legislature are making their mark advocating for issues and participating in the work at the State Capitol.
“The Winona Model Legislature has a rich history of replicating our work at the State Capitol and giving students the hands-on experience to learn how state government works. It makes it all the more easy for students to take that next step and impact our actual work in St. Paul,” said State Representative Gene Pelowski (DFL - Winona), the organizer of the Winona Model Legislature. “Whether it’s through advocacy or programs like the High School Pages, fostering youth involvement in state government not only provides an appreciation for public service, but important skills such as working with others of different opinions.”
This session, Winona Senior High School students, including leaders of the Winona Model Legislature, met with Rep. Pelowski to advocate for legislation related to creating a smoke-free generation during their day at the capitol. Former model legislature member, Allison McEntaffer, served in the High School Page Program this year, assisting in the legislative process in the Minnesota House.
Last year’s Winona Model Legislature saw 172 students in grades 7th through 12th participate. More information on the model legislature can be found here.
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Attached Photos: (1) Rep. Pelowski with High School Page Allison McEntaffer, Winona Senior High 11th Grader, (2) Rep. Pelowski with members of the Winona Model Legislature as they visited the Capitol. Winona Model Legislature Governor, Freyja Wolfe & Lt. Governor, Nathaniel Dennis seated near Representative Pelowski.
