Michael seeks pages for 2009 legislative session

State Rep. Nancy Michael (D-Greencastle) is seeking junior high and high school students to serve as pages during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly.

Pages will have the unique opportunity to spend an entire a day witnessing the inner workings of the State Legislature. They will begin their morning with a tour of the Indiana Statehouse and spend the remainder of the day working alongside representatives, staff and interns.

"Paging allows students to see what they learned in social studies or government classes put to practical use," Michael said. "By seeing the legislature in action, they will truly get a sense of how public policy shapes the world around them. It is an unparalleled lesson in good citizenship."

Michael indicated that the best days to page are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays when lawmakers convene in the House chamber for session. Pages are also accepted on Wednesdays, but lawmakers only meet in committee, not in full session.

Pages must be at least thirteen years old and must have their own transportation to Indianapolis. Students may page with a friend, but this must be indicated on their application.

Students interested in paging can contact Rep. Michael's legislative office in several ways:

* Calling the toll free Statehouse number, 1-800-382-9842;

* E-mailing H44@in.gov or;

* Writing in care of: Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Those interested should give their name, the name of parents or guardians, e-mail address, home address and phone number, school name and two potential paging dates.

"If any student in my district has an interest in government or politics, I strongly encourage them to apply."

Paging opportunities last through the duration of the legislative session, which begins Jan. 7 and ends April 29.

For more information, visit http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/students.html.