(OCEAN TOWNSHIP) – Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey held their first annual Kids Congress events on Monday and Tuesday, with over twenty local children in attendance.
The Monmouth County legislators treated children to two days 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. Kids Congress was hosted at the Eastern Branch Library in Shrewsbury and at the Ocean Township library.
“We both have found public service to be one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of our lives,” said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “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 (D-Monmouth). “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.”
Kids Congress was sponsored in an effort to engage young people in the legislative process and foster a passion for public service among the next generation of leaders.