Steckel Elementary School third-grade students received a lesson on state government Dec. 5.

Pennsylvania State Rep. Julie Harhart, R-183rd, paid a visit to Steckel students to share her experiences serving as an elected official and the process of how a bill becomes a law.

"Her [Harhart] visit reinforces our social studies curriculum focus on government," Steckel teacher Matt Shultz said.

Harhart, who is in her 22nd year as a state representative, said she feels honored to serve the public.

"Sometimes I have to take a step back," she told the students. "It's a humbling experience."

She asked what concerns the students have and if given the chance, what changes they would make.

Responses ranged from banning all weapons, littering and drugs to mandating school attendance year round.

One student suggested seat belts on all school buses.

"We actually tried to get that passed," Harhart said. "For some reason it never got out of committee."

Harhart encouraged the students to consider government service in the future.

"Maybe one day you'll be a state representative," she said.