Contest looking to help local students understand political issues

The following is a letter from Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, detailing a new contest put on by him, directed at High School students:

You know that our government works best when our citizens are actively engaged in the political process.  Unfortunately, many people simply do not take the time to understand the issues and decisions their elected officials are undertaking – this seems especially true of our younger generations.   

I believe that one way to create interest in the goings on of our government institutions is by actually involving students in the political process.  That is why I am inviting all high school students to participate in my Write a Bill Challenge.

The idea is simple.  High school students will submit their proposals for legislation to my office and then my staff and I choose one, perhaps more, to run as legislation during the 2008 legislative session.  The student whose idea is chosen will have the opportunity to see their idea grow from concept, to being heard and debated in a legislative policy committee, to possibly being signed into law by the Governor. 

[view:node_ad=5]Legislative proposals do not need to conform to any particular set of guidelines other than students should keep in mind our state’s fiscal situation and tailor their proposals in a way that does not expend too much, if any, money.  Students should also consider important matters of particular interest to Assembly District 38.  Other than that, students are free to submit ideas on any range of subjects.  Due to legislative deadlines, my office needs to receive legislative proposals by November 30th in order to give my staff and me ample time to read through all of the proposals.