Cherry Valley Resident Participates in the 81st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar
BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) welcomed Kwesi Foster of Cherry Valley to the State House for the Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS). Kwesi was nominated by Senator Moore earlier this year to participate in the civic education program.
CLS is a citizen seminar that aims to better educate the public on the Commonwealth’s legislative process. Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, the two-day seminar features presentations by Senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the Commonwealth.
“Now, more than ever, the importance of civic learning and engagement cannot be overstated,” said Senator Moore. “CLS is a tremendous opportunity to get a first-hand look at the legislative process here in Massachusetts. Kwesi was an engaged participant throughout the program and I’m certainly very pleased to learn that he found his experience to be both rewarding and informative.”
“Having this opportunity to participate in the 81st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar provided many takeaways such as experiencing what it is like to be a Senator for a day,” said Kwesi Foster. “I also learned about different sessions, timelines, formal legislative and budget procedures, and the process for passing legislation. Learning about the Massachusetts General Court was truly an amazing experience that I found to be uplifting, informative and part of our civic duty.”
The CLS culminates in a simulated legislative hearing and Senate session where participants are invited to use what they have learned and participate as “Senators” in a live debate in the Senate Chamber. During the 81st CLS, Kwesi participated in a legislative debate regarding raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction to include twenty-year-olds. Earlier this year, the Legislature created a Task Force to look into the issue as part of an omnibus criminal justice reform package signed into law by the Governor.
To learn more about CLS, please visit the Legislature’s website by clicking below.
Kwesi Foster, a resident of Cherry Valley who was nominated by Senator Moore to participate in the Citizens’ Legislative Seminar, offering remarks during the simulated Senate session.