Rep. Smith hosts students on electric cooperative tour

Rep. Jason Smith hosted Missouri students last Wednesday participating in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

Twenty-eight students from Southern Missouri, including nine from Intercounty Co-op, met Smith on the U.S. Capitol steps and asked him how their government works and the best methods to advocate for the causes they believe in.

“Advocacy from young folks like yourselves is so effective in having your voice heard,” said Smith. “I’m proud of each and every one of you already for making this trip to Washington to see your government first-hand and meet your representatives.”

Sponsored by Intercounty Electric Co-op were Dawson Koch from Houston, Athena Hood from Licking, Clay Atterberry from Lynchburg, Maddy Donnalley from Cabool, Brody Brown from Rolla, Olivia Erway from Salem, Raina Forstrom from Cuba, Leatha Keller from Summersville and Megan Wormington from Mountain Grove.

One student asked the Congressman what his favorite part of his job is.

“Whether it’s helping a veteran deal with a complicated government agency or making sure someone receives their Social Security benefits, being able to help Missouri families and make a positive impact in their lives is by far the best part of this job,” said Smith.

Smith has hosted NRECA’s Youth Tour participants every summer.

NRECA’s Youth Tour is a national, annual program where students apply and are selected to participate by their local electric cooperative. According to the NRECA, the purpose of the tour is for “students to gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen by meeting their Representative and Senators.”

More than 1,500 students across the United States take part in the NRECA Youth Tour each year.