a. Engagement and participation by our youth in civic life are essential to maintaining the strength of our democracy, but the youth of the United States may not believe that they have a substantive voice in their government or the opportunities to share their perspectives and opinions at the highest levels of our government.

b. The unique perspectives and valuable insights of the youth of this country are essential to ensuring that investments made by the government for programs and services for those youth are effective and efficient.

c. Many state legislatures have created youth councils that have proven to be an effective means of understanding the perspectives and opinions of the youth of the state, leading to more effective and efficient policies, programs, and services for those youth.

d. The creation of a youth council in this State that can advise the New Jersey Legislature will be beneficial for the State and its resident youth.

L.2021, c.398, s.2.