Capitol looks different in children's eyes

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Caleb Heckemeyer stood in the cavernous hallways of the Missouri Capitol and pondered a question he probably hadn't been asked before.

Heckemeyer's eyes shifted back and forth as he considered what law he would like to see passed if he were someday elected to the Missouri Legislature.

"To get more outs in baseball," the fourth-grader from St. Elizabeth said as his 15 schoolmates, teacher Maureen Eggen and six parents milled around during a recent tour of the Capitol.

Trips to the seat of state government have been a rite of passage for Missouri students over the years. On any given day during the legislative session, hundreds of students can be found in the Capitol getting a taste of what democracy is all about.

State officials estimate that about 40,000 students visit the Capitol during the "busy season" between March and May. Hallways already packed with lawmakers, lobbyists and staff give way to tour groups of as many as 60 students each.

The group from St. Elizabeth have been studying state government, but no time in the classroom could have prepared them for their hour trip from their small town of 295 people just south of Jefferson City.

"They are always anxious to get going," Eggen said. "I think it's very exciting for them. And they learn."

The first stop was the Capitol museum. A group of boys from the class pressed their faces against a glass case where some frog replicas sat. Most didn't seem to notice the pictures of past governors.

Then it was up to the House gallery to watch a debate. Some students admitted they had no idea what was going on. There were others, however, who proudly displayed their knowledge of House debate.

"They were discussing a bill," explained Austin Rehagen. "They were trying to get everybody to vote on it. It was a little cooler than I thought. It looked like a court."

Rehagen thought it wouldn't be so bad being down on the floor debating legislation, but for a reason only a young boy could understand.

"You could become famous because you'd have your name on the scoreboard," said Rehagen, referring to the electronic voting board in the House.

Tyler Nilges, however, wasn't exactly sure that he'd want the job, especially when told that lawmakers had been debating legislation on sewers.

"That's just nasty," Nilges said. "Yuck."

Deidra Buechter said she was impressed with lawmakers and their jobs and has concluded that "most of the time, politicians do good." Her mother, Karla, who has visited the Capitol as a child 25 year earlier, wasn't so sure.

"There's a little good and a little bad from my perspective," she said.

Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, a native of St. Elizabeth, was doing the best he could to keep up with the students, who were being hosted by his office.

"I think this gives the kids a chance to see and hear what government is all about," the Republican said. "Obviously they are more interested in the buildings and statues and some of the people than they are with what goes on here."

Some political leaders who meander through the crowds of children on a daily basis don't seem bothered. In fact, with all the grown up complications in their lives, a visit by students serves as a wake-up call.

House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, for example, took time away from her legislative duties to speak to a class from her district.

"You get to hear the perspective of people who only have a future to look forward to," said Hanaway, R-Warson Woods. "They provide a fresh perspective. It's very rejuvenating."

As the day wound down, students seemed anxious for lunch at a local fast food restaurant before heading to a nature center run by the Department of Conservation.

Shayla Ayers, who hadn't been feeling good all day, left the Capitol impressed with what she had seen and heard.

"I think there are some good laws and we should follow them," Ayers said. "They work really hard to make the state as good as it is."