Central Florida Students Take Over Capitol

 

Dozens of Central Florida YMCA students have descended on the Capitol as part of the 52nd State Assembly.

 

The YMCA Youth in Government program sent fifty high school students from the Orlando area to present their mock bills on eminent domain, recycling laws, and education reform and spending at the State Capitol Building through Saturday.

18-year-old senior Andrew Albaugh is the North Orlando Chapter President, now attending his fourth and last statewide assembly, where he says they focus more on individuals and the issues than politicians in “real” government.

“The lines of Democrat and Republican don’t exist,” he says. “We just see the issues from where we sit and we judge them how we want to.”Andrew says he hopes their style of legislation someday makes it to Washington, D.C. “If politicians nowadays were to actually look at the issue how they want to look at it and not tout the party line, then I think things would change quite a bit.”

Even though it’s her first time attending, 16-year-old Calen Wright says programs like this are important for the future of the government and the country as a whole.

“It’s really important that teenagers are active in politics,” she says. “We’ve got some of the brightest kids in these clubs, and this is going to be the future of politics.”

The three-day assembly is designed to serve as a learning experience, but several students said if a bill passes and becomes law in the mock legislature, the real lawmakers usually take a closer look.

The Central Florida YMCA Youth in Government Programs includes nearly 100 local students and is ranked as the 5th largest delegation statewide.

 

 

 

 

 

Strong Mind, Strong Body: Take Your Pick

 

Orlando Sentinel – Central Florida Political Pulse
February 17, 2009

Or you could have both, if you’re one of the 50 students the Central Florida YMCA is sending to the 52nd Youth in Government State Assembly in Tallahassee. From Thursday to Saturday, the students will present bills on eminent domain, recycling laws, and education reform at the State Capitol Building.

The Central Florida YMCA Youth in Government Program, which includes almost 100 local students, is ranked statewide as the 5th largest delegation. according to a Y press release. In the past two years, they’ve won Outstanding Bill, Outstanding Statesmen, and Outstanding Law Firm.

“Our Leadership programs help youth and teens raise their academic standards, build character, explore career options, and meet and interact with role models to inspire them to greater heights”, said Jim Ferber, Central Florida YMCA President.