The 1099 Form Reversal bill presented by Logan Bradshaw, Sean-Paul Charland, Henry Dreisenstock, and Colby Hoffman was selected by students as the winner of Legislative Day.
Columbia High School students acted as legislators last week as they presented their own bills to classmates at Participation in Government’s Legislative Day on May 24.
Six groups gave presentations on a variety of issues and the need for them. The presentations cited research including surveys and interviews.
The proposed bills included:
- Coupled Tree Bill
- Career Ventures (Career Fair at CHS)
- Legalization of Modified Vehicles
- 1099 Form Reversal
- A Little Dirt Never Hurt/Gardening Class
- Blind Justice
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 was 1099 Form Reversal, which proposed the reversal of a new federal law that will tax online sales of more than $600 through Venmo, cash app or PayPal. The previous law began taxing income starting at $20,000. The bill was sponsored by Logan Bradshaw, Henry Dreisenstock, Sean-Paul Charland and Colby Hoffman
Legislative Day, coordinated by social studies teachers Kelley Sheraw, Dan Wagner and Jeff Tooker, is one of the many ways students at Columbia learn about civics and get involved in government relations.
Jake Ashby, the New York State Senate representative for the 43rd District, which includes East Greenbush Central School District, spoke at the beginning of the event.
Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly also appeared at the event, giving students more insight into how laws are applied and interpreted by the judicial system.