55th Annual YMCA Youth In Government State Assembly Capitol Briefings Thursday Late Edtion

Thursday Late Edition 01 DEC 2011

BY CAT SMITHEditorial Board

For the first time, the Press Corps . had the golden opportunity to enter the deep depths of the Cabinet and hold a press c o n f e r e n c e w i t h i t s members. Over the summer, the Presiding Officers met with actual Florida legislators in o rder to “br ing more

involvement from the Y and elected officials into our legislative agenda,” says Youth Governor G lory McC l u r e . Th i s wa s a d i f f e r e n t t a c t i c t h a n previous years and the Cabinet members are very excited about it. They also incorporated the three focuses of the YMCA: social respons ib i l i ty, hea l thy l i v i n g , a n d t e e n

development to the agenda. By looking at their legislative agenda, the Cabinet chooses bills that coincide with their i n t e n t i o n s . O n Tuesday night, some o f t h e membe r s visited the different c o m m i t t e e s , watching bill

Cabinet Speaks to Press Corps.

Going the Distance: From the Floor to the CabinetBY DEVIN PATELWILL THAMES

Staff

Seth Reid is living up to the aspirations that the Cabinet has set for him. Reid’s bill has been placed in the Executive Cabinet’s Legislative Agenda and has been passed through both the Sullivan House and Wi l l iams Senate nearly unanimous. Reid’s bill requires all high school graduates to succeed in the history and government segments of t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Citizenship Test. “I wrote this bill because of my growing pa s s i on fo r h i s t o r y. Furthermore, I saw the younger generation of c i t i z e n s l a c k i n g i n k n o w l e d g e o f t h e government, and figured t h a t n e e d e d t o b e

changed immediately,” said Reid. R e i d ’ s lobbyist, Darby Bernaldo, played a notable role in a d v e r t i s i n g h i s b i l l through chambers and to delegates. Reid and Bernaldo compose of a potent team because of their growing zeal about government and the future generation of citizens. “Democracy must be l e a r n e d b y e a c h generation and I think that Reid’s bill will do just t h a t , ” s a i d D a r b y Bernaldo. Reid also hopes to spark more of an interest in high school students with regard to politics and government by passing this bill. “We can’t expect younger citizens to cast an educated vote without them knowing anything

about U.S. government or history,” said Reid. Reid’s bill has gone the distance. It quickly moved through both committees and passed through both chambers. Moreover, it has proved a beneficial bill as the

simple test insures that our high school students a r e a t l e a s t a s knowledgeable as our citizens to be. Listen up to see if Gov. McClure signs Reid’s b i l l d u r i n g C l o s i n g

inthisissueBravo, Bowen. Well Done. 2Lobbyists Shine Under New Legislative Rule 2

Cabinet Speaks to Press Corps. 3Local News:Delegation Goes Green for State Park 3

Happily Ever After State Assembly 4

Above: Representative Reid works with his lobbyist, Darby Bernaldo before going to the Cabinet.

Continued on page three.

2 Thursday Late Edition 01 DEC 2011

BY SPENCER LOCKEStaff

It is remarkable how so many delegates are so well prepared for their bill arguments, especially after only twelve weeks of preparation for the State Assembly instead of the usual twenty four. It is truly remarkable how well prepared the first year YIG delegates in the Bowen House are. This is their first year in Y I G , y e t t h e y a r e delivering their bills like pros with scrupulous professionalism free of any tremendous error. There are ten bills on today’s agenda for the Bowen House, and of these ten bills, all of them have passed to the Bowen Senate. One that stood out in particular is

bill 1065, authored by Geena Tropea, which if passed will raise the state tax on tobacco from $1.33 to $3.33. There was an intense debate in the chambers today wh i ch nea r l y lasted forty minutes, and when the time for a vote came, the House was split nearly in half, with only a margin of three votes.In the end, bill 1065 did n o t p a s s , b u t t h e experience and savvy of these delegates will pass to next year, where there are high hopes for a bright tomorrow. Representative Lance Hamic says, “We did not accomplish much time wise, like our actual Congress, but I still have had a fun time and can’t wait till next year.”

Bravo, Bowen. Well Done.

BY MADISON BLAKEStaff

You may think that they just sit around in the lobby all day, but lobbyists a re essent ia l to the legislative process. This year, all bills that make it to the docket must have a lobbyist. The lobbyist program is composed of 12 delegates from all facets of the state who collaborate in order to help legislative delegates pass their bills.

Tevin Knight, a first-year lobbyist from Clay County, Florida’s First Coast delegation, finds that the new rule is very u s e f u l , a n d a l l o w s l e g i s l a t o r s t o h a v e someone to look up additional research for a n y u n a n t i c i p a t e d questions. “They can continue to research until the client is on the floor.”Darby Bernaldo, a third-year lobbyist from the Tampa Delegation agrees tha t necess i t a t i ng a lobbyist is a good idea.

“Some legislators are unprepared for debate, and a lobbyist can make or break a bill. Lobbyists can also help look for co-sponsors for their clients.” Bernaldo plans to lobby on behalf of over 30 legislators.

T h e h e a d lobbyist, Nathaniel Reid, finds the new rule to be an improvement from the p a s t . “ I t g i v e s t h e opportunity for equal c h a n c e ,” s a i d Re i d . Lobby is ts have been networking throughout

the year to gain as many clients as possible to provide the equal chance Reid described.

Overall, while the purpose of lobbyists may be misunderstood by some delegates, the new rule requiring one to sign off on all bills that go to the docket ensures the legislatures take full advantage of the service that the l o b b y i n g p r o g r a m provides.

Lobbyists Shine Under New Legislative Rule

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3 Thursday Late Edition 01 DEC 2011

Cabinet Speaks to Press Corps.

BY JOANNA BEAZLEYStaff

The Treasure Coast Delegation is one full of diversity, not only in p e o p l e b u t a l s o i n wildlife, and landscapes. However, the local state park, Jonathan Dickinson, is being considered for a golf resort. Plans have been made to build not only an entire 18-hole course, but an expansive practice area, parking lot, clubhouse, and possible a hotel. Robert Whitley, a Palm Beach Gardens developer working with the renowned golfer's company, i s ge t t ing support from former New York Giants running back Tucker Frederickson. How would a football star have any idea what is good for

a state park that the C o a s t D e l e g a t i o n cherishes? The environment is very precious to this d e l e g a t i o n . T h e i r environmental network opposed the proposal of t h e b i l l b e f o r e R e p r e s e n t a t i v e P a t Rooney even filed it. Tearing down one of the community ’s favor i te parks for a golf course is absolutely ludicrous. If one was to drive along in South Florida, more than twenty parks could be spotted along the roads. Building another in the middle of a state park is outraging the citizens who reside in the Hobe Sound area, who believe that, “this [golf course] would be a black eye” for Nicklaus’ legacy.

While Whitley dismissed claims from TCPalm that the course would harm the environment. The citizens of Treasure Coast are well aware of the consequences. The Treasure Coast Delegation stands strong with the preservation of

Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Earlier in 2011, a speaker was invited to further inform us on the then-proposed bill. He felt as firmly as the delegation and citizens do, defending and preserving our gorgeous state park that all love.

Local News: Delegation Goes Green for State Park

Continued from page one.presentations and seeing which representatives or s e n a t o r s a r e m o s t prepared. One of the bills that caught their eye was that of Williams Senator Mathew Jones, restricting protesters from picketing one hour before or after a military funeral or burial service. All POs and SOs on the Cabinet love the “other side” aspect of their positions; they enjoy being the interrogators, having or influencing the final decision, and getting the opportunity to work with all of the branches. “Wi th any P res id ing Officer or Supporting

Officer position, you get a greater sense of involvement, and you meet more people and you know more about the program,” says C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Agriculture Annie Cobb.Unfortunately, some m e m b e r s w e r e disappointed with the lack of bills involving education, individual l i b e r t i e s , a n d agriculture. “I cried m y s e l f t o s l e e p a f t e r w a r d s ,” s a y s Veronika Mak. Both the Cabinet and Press Corps felt that this press conference was rewarding, not only for

them, but for the entire YIG program. Hopefully,f o r f u t u r e S t a t e Assemblies, this activity

can be repeated in order t o k e e p t h e e n t i r e program connected and informed.

Above: Jonathan Dickinson state park. Photo courtesy of floridiannature.com.

Above: The Cabinet takes questions from press delegates.

4 Thursday Late Edition 01 DEC 2011

staff Editor-in-Chief Haley Oberhofer • Assistant Editor Alexia M’Bark

Editorial Board Audrey Guerra, Cat Smith • Joanna Beazley • Madison BlakeKaylie Horowitz • Spencer Locke • Devin Patel • Ali Renckens • Krista Reinhardt • Will Thames

Program Coord. Erika Amaya

BY ALI RENCKENSStaff

I t h a s b e e n moved that we adjourn until next year. Some de l ega t e s , t i r ed o f listening to an endless stream of bills will be glad to leave, but those w h o h a v e b e e n personally affected by Youth In Government will regret that State Assembly is only a few, short days. If you are one of those delegates, we have good news! State Assembly may only occur once a year, but t h e r e a r e s e v e r a l upcoming events that will keep YIG available year-round. At the Fall District Conference, delegates participated in Valentines for Veterans. This project

is still ongoing. Chapters can contact someone at their local YMCA or a government leader to continue this effort. Veterans have sacrificed for us, now we have the opportunity to bring joy to their holidays. The Winter Service Rally is also approaching, along with the Spring Service Rally later on in the year. During these rallies, delegates travel to Camp Wewa, and spend the night in one of several cabins. "It's really outdoors-y," said Ca the r i ne Sm i t h , a member of the Editorial Board from the South County delegation "It's basically a giant service project." The delegates he lp improve Camp WeWa, decorate, and paint. Over 100 trees

were planted during the Spring Service Rally last year. In the upcoming service ral l ies grand f e a t s l i k e t h i s a r e expected to arise. Jun ior Youth In Government members can sneakily raise their placards and strike out against a bill as ninjas, which is the theme for t h i s y e a r ' s J u n i o r Assembly. This program a l lows de legates to practice the legislative process without the pressure of Sr. State Assembly. Senior YIG d e l e g a t e s h a v e a n opportunity to serve as high school mentors for JYIG. Pierce Gillette, Y I G ’ s L i e u t e n a n t Governor, has served as a high school mentor for two years and is looking forward to doing it again this year. "It's cool to see their [the JYIG members’] progress," s h e s a i d . "[volunteering as a mentor] is a great way to help our program." G o v e r n o r G l o r y McClure is delighted f o r t h e f a c t t h a t "there's so much time b e t w e e n S t a t e Assembly and JYIG. We have t ime for growth."

A lso, committed d e l e g a t e s s h o u l d cons ider running or applying for a Presiding or Supporting Officer position. McClure said, "If you love the program, being a PO or SO allows you to have the biggest impact." Seniors have the chance to return as a Graduate Advisor. GAs work tediously to ensure t h e p r o g r a m r u n s smoothly and the best that it can be. "When you're a delegate, you take for granted the work and sacrifices they make , no t because they're obligated to, but because they love the program," said Clark Devore, a GA. McClure says, "State Assembly is incredible. But without these events I wouldn't understand what YIG is about." Nothing can replace State Assembly, but these events can have an equal, or even larger impact on delegates. The invo l vement i n Y IG doesn’t end at closing ceremony; Your YIG experience can continue as long as you want it to with all the opportunities available. If you love YIG, then be sure to get involved!

Happily Ever After State Assembly

Above: Delegates enjoy the 6th annual Jr. Assembly.