Committee hears proponent testimony for resolution recognizing Buckeye Boys/Girls State programs

During the same Senate Education Committee meeting, committee members heard testimony supporting House Concurrent Resolution Number 7, a resolution recognizing the American Legion Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State programs.

Jacob Brought, legislative coordinator for the American Legion Department of Ohio, testified in favor of the resolution and described the programs as leadership academies for high-school juniors. "This program is completely free to every student who wishes to attend and is paid for by each individual post who sponsors these young men to attend," Brought said. He told the committee Buckeye Boys State began in 1936, now enrolls roughly 2,300 students from about 600 schools across Ohio, and includes partnerships with entities such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which provides programming and promotional support.

Brought said the programs give students practical experience with civic processes including elections, legislative sessions and debating, and that many former participants return to serve in program roles. When asked by committee members about program locations and partners, Brought said the event currently takes place at Miami University and that the Ohio State Highway Patrol assists with on-site activities and promotion in high schools.

Committee members were told several written proponent testimonies also were submitted. The chair said he expected the resolution would likely be up for a vote the following week. The committee concluded the second hearing on House Concurrent Resolution Number 7.