On Saturday I had the privilege to host the First Congressional District Youth Forum in Yorktown. It’s great to hear from the younger generations on current issues, and understand what is on their minds, too.  We discussed a range of topics, and also talked about school and education-focused issues they face as students. The students were interested in discussing “healthy food” options at schools, taking out soda machines, among other issues. But their preference, in this time of tight budgets, was that any additional funding be directed to their classrooms and not the cafeteria. In addition to school and extra-curricular activities, many of the students in attendance also worked a part time job or job-shadowed for additional experience.

One of the ideas I’m most excited about from our discussion on Saturday was the idea to create an online forum for continual discussion. Based on a student’s idea from the forum, we created a First District Congressional Youth Forum Facebook page. In that space, students can share their ideas and opinions on issues important to them and how Congress can address them. They can also stay tuned in to future Youth Forum meetings and other youth-related events around the First District. The youth in this district, and across the country, are our future leaders, and the work we do today impacts their future. It’s our responsibility to ensure we build a foundation of success for our youth. I look forward to more interaction with the students as we continue working in Washington for reform.

This week, I met with my First District Emergency Response Councils both in the lower and the upper ends of the First District. In these meetings, the discussion centered on how, at the federal level, the government can help in local efforts to prevent, respond to and reduce the adverse health effects of public health emergencies and natural and manmade disasters. We were pleased to have special guests from the Governor’s Office, who shared their efforts to assist first responders. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management outlined preparations for this hurricane season.

Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1, 2010, and ends November 30, 2010. The House of Representatives passed legislation this week marking the importance of sharing information to be prepared for potential storms. As we mark the official beginning of summer and enter the height of hurricane season, it’s important for local officials at all levels to collaborate in order for our communities to be prepared for these storms. Hurricane Isabel, which hit our area in September 2003, is a not-so-distant memory for many of us here.