Students Learn Legislative Process From Lawmakers

High school students from Neshaminy and William Tennent high schools took part in “Representative for a Day” last Thursday.

The unique event was hosted at the Middletown high school and involved Langhorne-based State Rep. Frank Farry and former Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley talking about the legislative process.

The roughly 50 students broke up into five standing committees – Consumer Affairs, Gaming Oversight, Health, Judiciary and Transportation – and were able to draft mock legislation, host committee meetings and vote on their proposed legislation.

“You will each be prepared to help make a big difference in your country, state and community simply because you are aware of how the legislative process works and understand how it could affect you and your family, and you know where or whom to go to voice your concerns or ask questions,” said Farry.

Volunteer policy staffs and real-life lobbyist took part in the event and guided students through the legislative process before a mock vote.

“The students got really engaged in the process of offering and debating amendments. It was encouraging to see them so interested in these issues,” Farry said. “Oftentimes, they were having the same discussions about an issue that we had about a bill during real committee meetings.”

The students considered legislation that involved the audio recording of students on school buses, the legalization of firework purchases by Pennsylvania residents; gaming expansion measures, an indoor tanning ban for minors under age 16; and changes to the driver’s license attainment process.

“One thing that is really getting lost in the world today is the ability to work together through partisan differences and agree to disagree respectfully,” Farry said to the group. “I hope throughout this process you all learned the importance of that, and that government doesn’t function well without it.”