There Ought to Be a Law Contest for Middle School Students
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is kicking off a contest, open to all middle school students, grades 6-8, in the 88th Assembly District, titled “There Ought to Be a Law.” This contest asks students to identify a problem impacting New Yorkers which needs a legislative solution by creating a new law.
One -place winner will be selected and have the prize of knowing that his or her idea has a chance at becoming a law that impacts over 19 million New Yorkers. One second-place winner and one third-place winner will also be chosen to receive a citation from the New York State Assembly.
The first-place contest winner will have the opportunity to join Assemblywoman Paulin at the State Capitol where the winner, along with a description of his/her proposed law, will receive recognition by members of the Assembly on the Assembly floor.
Students interested in entering the contest will write an essay (750 words maximum) detailing their proposed idea for a law. Suggested guidelines include:
- What’s the problem that needs a legislative solution?
- What’s your solution? Be as detailed as possible.
- What’s the background on this problem? (Are there any statistics, reports, historical information, or even your own personal stories that you could use to back up the need for a legislative proposal?)
- Are there any financial impacts? If so, how much money do you think it would cost?
- Who do you think would support this bill?
- Who do you think would oppose this bill?
The contest is open to all middle school students who live in the 88th Assembly District. This covers the following cities and towns: Scarsdale, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Pelham, and parts of New Rochelle and White Plains.
All contest submissions are due by midnight on February 29, 2016. On April 1 the first-, second-, and third-place winners will be notified by telephone and email. In mid-April to Early June, the first-place contest winner will be able to travel to Albany to join Assemblywoman Paulin in the State Capitol before the end of the legislative session. The exact date and time will depend on the Assemblywoman’s meeting schedule.
Middle school principals, teachers, and staff can contact the district office for more information and to obtain the entry form by either calling(914) 723-1115, or by emailing paulina@assembly.state.ny.us, Attention: Lisa Hofflich, Community Liaison for Assemblywoman Paulin.
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