SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 23

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

John M. Sapien

A JOINT MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING SUPPORT BY THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE FOR THE FORMATION OF A PRESIDENTIAL YOUTH COUNCIL.

     WHEREAS, the unique perspectives and insights of young people, especially young people who have previously participated in public policy-related programs, outreach initiatives, internships or fellowship opportunities, are essential to ensure that investments made by the federal government in youth services are effective and efficient; and

     WHEREAS, the existing outreach and engagement mechanisms of the federal government are designed in ways that inhibit participation and lead to the underrepresentation of young people in the policymaking process; and  

     WHEREAS, numerous members of congress, former governors and the New Mexico legislature have formed the youth alliance; and

     WHEREAS, the mayors of both Santa Fe and Albuquerque have youth councils that have proven to be an effective means of receiving input from young people, which leads to more effective and efficient policies; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislature calls on the president of the United States to establish a presidential youth council to create recommendations that advise the president and the president's administration on the perspectives of young people, making public policy-related youth programs more efficient and effective; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislature recommends that members of the presidential youth council be youths between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four who can constructively contribute to public policy deliberations and conduct outreach to solicit the views and perspectives of youth peers; and

     WHEREAS, members of the presidential youth council are to be appointed by leaders of the majority and minority parties in the United States house of representatives and the United States senate, as well as by the president of the United States;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it support the creation of a presidential youth council; and 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of the president of the United States and to the campaign for a presidential youth council.

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