IOWA LAKES STUDENTS LEARN LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES AT STATEWIDE MEETING IN DES MOINES

A number of area students from Iowa Lakes Community College were a part of a delegation to the Iowa Statehouse recently.

Students met individually with legislators and stressed the value of their education, urging legislators to ensure appropriate funding for community colleges.

Studies show that more than 80 percent of community college students stay in the region and will work 35 years in the workforce. Educated students provide a well-trained workforce for area employers.

Due to debate in the Iowa Senate on the minimum wage while the students were in Des Moines, several students sat in on the Senate Chambers and watched the legislative process.

The delegation of Iowa Lakes Community College students was made up of Student Senate members from campuses in Emmetsburg, Estherville and Spencer as well as Presidential Scholars from the college.

Student Senators from Iowa’s 15 Community Colleges visit the Capitol each year to study the legislative process and meet area lawmakers. The trip is organized by the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees.

The student study tour to the Iowa State Capitol was directed by Student Senate advisor Bill Lapczenski.

Dan Hight (kneeling); Joleen Sobotka; Nate Wise (partially hidden); John Hight; Adam Deppe; Rep. Marcie Frevert; Megan Brown; Rachel Pelzer; Melissa Johnson; and Ernestine Fagel.

Adam Benson; Adam Deppe; Josh Lugar; Logan McDonald; Laura Janssen; Rep. Mike May; Jacey Johnson; Rachel Pelzer; Melissa Johnson; Kayla Paltz; Joleen Sobotka; and Megan Brown.