LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Lehigh County Democratic Committee senior advisor, political activist and recent college graduate Aidan Levinson has been appointed to a new advisory commission to the office of Governor Shapiro, focused on young people and their priorities.
- Emmaus grad and Lehigh County Democratic Committee member Aidan Levinson is set to join the new Commission on Next Generation Engagement, established by Governor Josh Shapiro in June
- The commission's goal is to provide the administration on the experiences and needs of Pennsylvania's "next generation," or people aged 16-26
- The up-to-30-person commission will also provide recommendations and feedback to state policy and programs affecting its demographic
Levinson, 22, an Emmaus High School graduate and Zionsville native, is set to join the new Commission on Next Generation Engagement, consisting of Pennsylvanians ages 16-26.
It was established to "provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ needs" while reviewing and assessing programs affecting their demographic, and providing information and recommendations to the governor's team on how best to meet their needs.
"Being able to provide advice and feedback on state policy and programs from a generational perspective in an official capacity under a Governor whose platform I have a strong belief in is especially meaningful to me," Levinson said. "Pennsylvania is doing big things and I am excited to be a part of it all."
Commission members will also work with the governor's office to engage with government agencies to promote effective utilization of government programs and communicate with communities about initiatives of the administration impacting "next generation" Pennsylvanians.
Levinson said he was notified of the appointment by communication from the governor's staff. The governor's press staff has confirmed to LehighValleyNews.com that Aidan is an appointee of the commission.
The commission's work will be highlighted on social media, and their first meeting is planned soon, where Levinson and other appointed commissioners will be officially sworn in. There they will establish action items and committees for the members, he said.
Levinson, a lifelong Lehigh Valley resident, said he believes his devotion and work on various governmental and non-governmental boards and commissions such as with the Lehigh County Youth Advisory Council, American University Sine Institute of Policy & Politics, and the PA and Lehigh County Democratic Parties contributed to his appointment. He is an active and long-time campaigner for Democratic party causes,
"With my academic studies and involvement having been focused on politics and policy, and my work as a political consultant and volunteer involvement in the political and official spaces, I feel the combined perspective I can bring to this work will be an asset for the commission," Levinson said.
An incoming student to Penn State's Dickinson Law School, Levinson is the son of Joshua Levinson, the current president of the East Penn School District Board of Supervisors.
He has already met some commission members in the past due to campaign involvement and volunteering he has engaged with in the past, he said, and hopes the full group can become close and get to know each other outside of their official responsibilities.
Once sworn in, the term on the commission is set for two years.
Shapiro also reestablished five advisory commissions on African American Affairs, Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, Latino Affairs, LGBTQ affairs, and Women.
The commissions make recommendations to the governor on policies and legislation, with the intent to represent their community's voice in state government. Each commission allows up to 30 members, according to a press release by the office of Gov. Shapiro.
