Youth in Government

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Youth in Government

• STATE OF KANSAS

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What is Youth in Government ?

• An Opportunity to participate in a mock state
  legislature at the capitol in Topeka with
  students from around the state.
• A unique hands on experience in bill writing,
  committee meetings and the legislative and
  executive process.

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Media Positions and Job Descriptions Other
ways to be involvedNEW FOR 2012
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YIG - In the Senate
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YIG - Voting in Committee
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YIG - Governor of Youth in Government
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Collaborating in the House of Rep.
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Speaking in the Senate
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Its not all work - -
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When is the state YIG?

• Topeka, KS
• Arrive Sunday, November 18th
• Session begins at 1000 a.m.
• Session adjourns Monday, November 19th at 345
  p.m.

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What is required?

• A strong interest in government or leadership
• A commitment to take the process seriously
• Write a bill that would better the life of
  Kansans. Each student must write their own bill.

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• Attend Pre-Legislative meetings as required by
  your school or district
• Cover any financial obligations to attend. This
  depends on your school and your district. It
  could include transportation and in most cases
  overnight stay and meals.

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Typical YIG costs

• Money for hotel. This varies depending on how
  many are in the room. It includes your Sunday
  evening banquet and breakfast on Monday.
• The amount is based on how many students in a
  room.
• 4 to a room (typical) 43.82
• 3 to a room 50.98
• 2 to a room 65.29

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Transportation

• This depends on your school or district.

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Additional spending money

• for two lunches and any snacks
• Small amount of for the bowling Sunday evening
• 3.00 for all you can bowl plus any money for
  snacks

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Who may attend 2012?

• Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
• Freshman may attend with sponsor and YIG approval
  but only as delegates.

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Your Bill

• Think of something that is important to you or
  think of something that you would like to see
  changed in the state of Kansas that would benefit
  its citizens.
• In the past, laws dealing with legalization of
  marijuana, making Big Foot the state monster do
  not show serious thought from the writer.

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Some bills that have been presented in the past

• License plates on the front of cars (this would
  help law enforcement)
• Environmental credits to companies that go
  green
• An act to prohibit the sale of candy and food
  that resemble tobacco or alcohol products

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You should do some research about your proposed
bill

• Your bill should be a new law or proposal.
• Does a law already exist? If one already exists
  then you have not created a new bill. OR are you
  creating a law that would repeal the old law?
• Is it within the state governments realm of
  control (jurisdiction).

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For instance

• A bill that allows freshmen and sophomores to
  take AP Psychology in the state of Kansas.
• Or require students to take drivers ed in their
  high schools.
• This is NOT in the control of the state. That is
  in the control of the district school boards.

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Steps to writing the bill

• Come up with your idea.
• If you are having trouble of thinking of bills,
  check the legislative web sites of nearby states
  including ours.
• http//www.kslegislature.org
• See what bills were recently vetoed. Could you
  rework these to make them better?
• Research your idea.
• Is there already a state law that exists? What
  states have a similar law? This can provide you
  with additional material for writing your bill.

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For instance

• A bill proposing a requirement that all schools
  receiving federal funding MUST teach a class on
  CIVICS.
• This IS in the jurisdiction of the federal
  government NOT the states.

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For instance

• A bill proposing that license plates be displayed
  on the front AND the back of vehicles.
• This IS in the jurisdiction of the states.
• So. now you need to think about
• How would this be funded? When would it be
  enacted? Enforced? What fines?

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Your bill continued

• Your bill must be typed and submitted
  electronically to the YIG coordinator in final
  form prior to 400 p.m. on Friday, November 9th.
  No exceptions.
• Each participant must write their own bill. This
  is part of the process. Later you can combine
  forces in committee.

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You will have access to an electronic template
for your bill.
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Other communication and information will be
available from the Youth in Government website

• Links to some states with some bill ideas
• Important documents
• This website is currently under construction

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The Bill Template Electronic version

• Available from your sponsors web back pack
• Available by emailing Deb Brown
• deborahbrown_at_smsd.org

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Things to remember

• Discuss Youth in Government with your parents
• Attend pre-legislative sessions as determined by
  your school or district.
• Turn in your and permission form to your
  sponsor by the date they give you.

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See you at YIG 2012!
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Additional questions contact

• DEB BROWN
• Youth in Government State Coordinator
• SMSD Social Studies Specialist
• deborahbrown_at_smsd.org
• 913-993-8664