Goldendale students participate in pilot legislative project with Rep. David Taylor
Four Goldendale High School students and a faculty member visited Olympia this week to participate in a pilot program aimed at giving 15th District teens an introductory look at the legislative process. The project was initiated by Rep. David Taylor in conjunction with the Goldendale School District.
“Rather than study the Legislature from afar, the idea is to provide young people an opportunity to see first-hand the procedures of proposing legislation, differences between the House and Senate, and the role of private citizens in developing public policy,” said Taylor, R-Moxee.
The students chosen for the project's initial phase were juniors Mikaylee Balcom and Jesse Duff, and seniors Shawna Quantrell and Adrian Sanchez. The school's principal selected the four on the basis of their leadership and academic achievement. They were accompanied by Doyle Payne, a Goldendale High School history teacher.
Taylor said the Goldendale School District was selected to initiate the program because of its central location in the 15th District.
“Field trips are costly and difficult to arrange, and with schools having to tighten their belts, the first phase of the project was designed to bring only four students to the Capitol this year. If the program is successful, and if students and teachers think it's worthwhile, we would look toward expanding it to include more participants in 2011,” Taylor added.
During their time in Olympia, the students observed floor sessions and committee meetings, sat in on public hearings and met with legislators and staff. They also were featured in Taylor's Legislative Update, a bi-weekly video report on the session which airs on MVTV Channel 22 (Toppenish) and YPAC Channel 22 (Yakima). The video can also be viewed at Rep. Taylor's legislative Web site:
https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/Taylor
“My hope is that they gained a little clearer understanding of the procedural and political complexities that comprise the law-making process,” said Taylor. “It's important that we look for fresh opportunities to further youth interest in government, public service and civic participation.”
For more information, contact: Bill Taylor, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7074
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