I am currently in Lansing with several students at a program called Youth In Government. This is a very cool program that allows students to actually serve all aspects of state government. The students get to use the House and Senate chambers. They get to use the committee rooms. They debate and pass bills. A youth governor reviews and either signs or vetoes passed bills. I would recommend looking at the following link to see what the program is about.
Click here to access the link.
The students arrive on Wednesday and leave on Sunday morning. There are some fun activities, but there is a lot of serious work. These students are debating important issues that impact our state. They have a chance to share their ideas and learn from others from Detroit to Gladstone. The conference is as diverse as the state. They also get to hear from current legislators about current issues.
Here is an update from the conference.
Our students did well. Luke Salisbury was honored as the Blue Legislature Lt Governor. Hadassah Huber received an award for most outstanding work in Written Press. James Newman was Honorable Mention as the best Blue Legislator. And Aaron Moore was recognized for his bill becoming law. There are nearly 800 students here and hundreds of bills, only a few of which made it into law!
Here are a few pictures from this year's trip.
Luke Salisbury being sworn in as the Lt. Governor of the Blue Legislature. Luke had to run for this position at the fall conference in October.
Michigan Capitol Building
The Capitol Senate Chamber. The students actually sit in the seats, talk at the podiums, and vote on the bills!
House Chambers
Aaron Moore in Senate Committee
Me! A Self Photo Outside the Capitol
Aaron Moore speaking during his party caucus.
Hadassah Huber writing an article for the Written Press. At the conference banquet, she was recognized as the outstanding Written Press writer.
James Newman in Committee
As Lt. Governor of the Blue Legislature, Luke had to sit at the head table for the conference banquet.
Hadassah, Aaron, and James at the Conference Banquet
