I was heartened to learn how informed and concerned these students are about the critical nature of the issues we’ve been working on in Washington.  But sadly, this level of interest amongst our younger generation is not always the case.

Statistics show a growing decline in the level of engagement 18 - 25 year olds have in the political process. I am very concerned about this. Because not only is our young generation impacted by the decisions our elected leaders make today, but many of these decisions will have an especially profound effect on our younger generation’s future. 

For example, if we keep sending people to Washington who continue to run our country’s budget into a deficit, our younger generation will be the ones left to pay the tab. If we continue to send people to Washington who do not care about protecting and preserving our Social Security Trust Fund, there will be no Social Security system left when today’s young generation is ready to access it. 

So what can our young generation do to be heard? For one, they can register to vote. Voting is one of the greatest components to democracy - every person has an equal voice. If you are a U.S. citizen 18 years of age or older and are not a convicted felon, you can register to vote. 

I also encourage our younger generation to get involved with organizations that support issues of their interests. And contact your lawmakers. The decisions I make in Washington are based on what my constituents tell me to do.  Call or write your elected leaders. We want your feedback, and we will listen.  In fact, the reason I traveled to Waldo to speak to high school students was because a ninth grade student at their high school invited me in a letter she recently wrote. 

While it is so easy to ignore the political process and go on about our everyday lives, staying engaged and letting your voice be heard is so important. The future of our great nation depends on it.