Columbia students acted as lawmakers on Thursday as they presented their own bills to classmates at Participation in Government’s Legislative Day. Six groups gave presentations on a variety of issues, the research and justification for them, and then answered questions from the audience.
“What they’ve done today is create solutions and given legislative options,” Principal Michael Harkin said. “They should be proud of their work.”
The proposed bills included:
- Later CHS Start Time Act
- Death with Dignity Act
- Opportunity for Financial Equity Act
- Plastic Bag Ban
- The Pill Bill
- Seat Belts for All
Lobby day winners (L to R): Cameron Plowinske, Brendan Russo, Albert Chang and Raymond Borst with Social Studies teacher Dan Wagner.
At the end of the school day, all of the students in attendance voted for one bill that they would like to see made into law. The winning bill, a plastic bag ban in Rensselaer County, will be sent to county officials for their consideration.
Legislative Day, coordinated by social studies teachers Kelley Sheraw and Dan Wagner, is one of the many ways students at Columbia learn about civics and get involved in government relations.
“This is an excellent experience,” said East Greenbush Town Supervisor Jack Conway, who was invited to speak to students at the start of the event. “This prepares you for the real world. It’s not just academic, it’s practical.”