A Clare County 4-H member got a glimpse of how Michigan’s legislative process works during the four-day 4-H Capitol Experience conference in Lansing in March of 2009. Jon Haley was among 100 Michigan 4-H teens from 28 counties who interacted with legislators, state agency staff members and lobbyists and learned how they could become politically engaged and influence policy issues.

Haley and the rest of the Michigan 4-H’ers toured the Capitol and the Supreme Court buildings, had breakfast with their legislators, attended legislative sessions and learned about career options in the government arena. Topics discussed included agriculture, crime and drugs, education, environment and energy, and jobs and the economy.

Through this experience, Haley made contact with State Rep. Tim Moore, who was impressed with the teen’s excitement and desire to learn more about the legislative process. As a result, Moore offered Haley a summer internship.

Haley plans to study political science at Alma College and really values his Capitol Experience.