(Hartford) – Today, Congressman John B. Larson announced plans to reintroduce a resolution in Congress supporting the establishment of a Presidential Youth Council to advise the President of the United States on the perspectives of young Americans. The Council would also offer views on how to most effectively use federal funding that impacts youth.

"Across the nation there are more than 100 million Americans under the age of 24. These young men and women deserve a voice as we make critical decisions that will affect the future of this country," said Congressman Larson. "The perspectives of our youth should be an essential part of shaping policy that directly impacts them. That's why a Presidential Youth Council is so important and why I am proud of the work of our own First Congressional District Youth Cabinet here in Connecticut. I urge Members to join me in support of this resolution to truly create a government of the people, by the people, and for the people."

Congressman Larson announced plans to reintroduce the resolution, originally proposed by the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council, while hosting a Forum on Youth Engagement today in collaboration with the First Congressional District Youth Cabinet. Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill and other leading experts also joined the discussion on the importance of youth engagement and what meaningful youth engagement looks like in practice. Other speakers included Alex Wirth of The Huffington Post, Elizabeth Krause of the Connecticut Health Foundation and Thaddeus Ferber, Vice President of Policy for the Forum on Youth Investment. Larson plans to reintroduce the resolution following Congress's return to Washington.

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