Since the beginning of the America's Legislators Back to School Program in 1999, the Louisiana Legislature has led the nation in building a strong award-winning program.

The four state coordinators (two in each chamber) have been instrumental in maintaining a high level of participation and excellence. Last year, all 39 senators and 81 of 105 house members visited classrooms, placing them at the top of the list for member participation nationally.

With strong joint leadership support, the state coordinators have inspired legislators to take the time to go into classrooms and talk with young people- the voters and leaders of tomorrow- about civic responsibility, theri roles as legislators, and why voting is a privilege.

In 2004 joint message to the members, Senate president Don Hines and House Speaker Joe Salter wrote, "We have had the privilege of sharing your experiences as law makers, debating ideas with young people, and helping them understand the legislative process...that is why, once again this coming year, we'll be going to schools in our districts to share a living civics lesson with young citizens, hear from them, and their teachers, and work together to build leadership for tomorrow.

The legislature has passed resolutions promoting the America's Legislators Back to School Program, proclaiming its commitment to help Louisiana youth see through the negativity and cynicism that often surrounds government and politics.

"I felt Senator Jay Dardenne did an excellent job of relating to the students, " writes Larry Grantham, Tara High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "There were several questions posed by the students, which gave them a better insight into representative democracy."

To help promote the event, both the House and the Senate have created Web pages, http://www.legis.state.la.us, as a resource for the program.