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18-year-old Alyssa Manthey had a unique, hands-on experience with state government that allowed her to get up close and personal with the law-making process.

Because of her online schooling, Mathey’s schedule was flexible enough that she was able to work with Senator Emily Jordan (R) multiple times during the life of Senate Bill 1289, which bans the use of color additives in public school food. 

“She got to shepherd a bill from research all the way through committee and all the way to signature,” Jordan said.

Manthey first spent a few days with Jordan in Washington, D.C., in January.

Right away, Jordan had her help prepare the bill folder by conducting research on the dyes mentioned in the bill. Then, once the bill was assigned to the Education Committee, Manthey also watched it go through the committee. She returned in April to see the bill signed by the Governor.

“It was amazing to see just an idea that was brought up and kind of talked about, and then watch them kind of do the research behind it, see what the food dye does to the kids when they take it in, and how that can affect their concentration in school,” Manthey said. “And then watch people support that, and it go all the way up until the bill is signed and it’s gone through.”

Jordan said she regularly encourages students to shadow her for a day or two so they can learn how state government works, but this is the first time a student has been able to see a bill through the whole process, she said.

Although Manthey said she doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in policy-making, she is interested in a government job and is pursuing a college degree in international relations.

“It was super cool to see this side of everything and guide me for my future,” she said.

She said it was important for her to grab this opportunity because, as a voter, she feels she should have some knowledge about the local law-making process.

Prior to working on the food dye bill, Manthey said she had little knowledge about the harmful effects of food dyes on young children. She’s paid attention to this in her own food choices, but never in regard to public education.

“I had always kind of just thought about it in my life, so it was really interesting to kind of think about how this could change those kids’ lives,” she said. 

Jordan said she knew right away that Manthey was going to be “well prepared” for the job, and the work she did was “very impressive.”

Mathey said the experience was both exciting and nervewracking, but she’s pleased with the research she completed for the bill.

She also enjoyed working with Jordan, saying she’s a “powerhouse” and she knows how to get things done for her community. 

Jordan said she’d be happy to have Manthey back any time, and she encourages other students who are interested in local government and law-making to reach out to her about shadowing opportunities. 

“It truly was inspiring to me, no matter what career I plan on going into when I’m older, because the traits that she has, anybody could use them in any career, because she’s just truly amazing,” Manthey said.