First Annual Kids Congress A Great Success

SHREWSBURY - The first annual Kids Congress event, hosted by Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey, was a great success, with over 20 local children in attendance.

Hosted on Monday, August 27 at the Eastern Branch Library in Shrewsbury, Kids Congress treated children to a day of fun and learning through group activities and educational games. Nearly two-dozen children spent their morning learning how a bill is made, who their representatives are, and testing their knowledge of U.S. Government through games and activities.

“We both have found public service to be one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of our lives,” said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling. “We hope to help every child develop the same passion for serving their communities.”

“A sense of civic duty and patriotism is instilled at a young age,” said Assemblywoman Joann Downey. “Whether it’s the length of recess or the amount of homework their teachers assign, we want to make sure that our kids have the tools and insight to discuss the issues that affect them, both now and later in life.”

Assembly Members Houghtaling and Downey hosted their first annual Kids Congress in an effort to engage young people in the legislative process and foster a passion for public service among the next generation of leaders.

For future events hosted by the Assembly Members, be sure to follow their Facebook “Assembly Members Houghtaling and Downey.”