Assembly

By: Bella Bauman

Regardless of age or years in Legislative, there are always difficulties when writing a bill. Whether that is coming up with an idea, finding some sort of financing, establishing penalties and enforcements, or having a respectful bill topic, there is always something that delegates struggle with.  

It may seem difficult to come up with an idea for a bill, but there is always something interesting or impactful to write a bill on. For example, delegates try to think of personal experiences that have affected them, their friends, or their family. If there is a topic that a delegate is passionate about, there is a bill to be written. Another way is to look at either past Assembly or Senate bills from Youth In Government or real bills passed in either Wisconsin or other states around the country. Of course do not plagiarize, but take inspiration and make the bill your own. Look up issues in different communities or read the news, where there are topics ranging from social issues to economic problems. 

Another problem delegates struggle with when writing a bill is financing. One senate delegate has stated that one of the most common reasons a bill is not passed in the Youth In Government Senate is financing. The purpose of financing a bill is to collect enough money for the government to put the bill’s plan into action. While some bills do not require financing, some need an incredible amount of money that needs to come from somewhere, most likely the taxpayers. While a bill may be trying to resolve one important issue, taxpayers may become angry with the raising of taxes on the products they buy or need to pay at the end of the fiscal year. When writing a bill, keep in mind the amount of money to finance the bill and keep it going throughout the upcoming years. Financing a bill is never going to make everyone happy, but keep in mind how people are either positively or negatively impacted by the bill.

Another section of bills that is a common topic for debate is the penalties or enforcement of the bill. While some bills do not require penalties, the people may become angry if there are large penalties for relatively small misdemeanors or the breaking of laws. Companies, public services, and more may be frustrated if the penalties and enforcement for a bill is something that they will need to spend money on or will be punished for. There is a fine line between enforcing and penalizing the bill and upsetting the people the bill is affecting. 

Lastly, it is relatively common for a bill topic to be of sensitive subject matter or a controversial topic. While delegates have the right to make their opinions known, both them and their fellow delegates need to keep an open mind and stay respectful. A delegate may not agree with the opinions of the bill writer or the aim of the bill, but staying polite and respectful is a must to allow every single person at Youth In Government to feel included and respected. A way to avoid this entirely is to write a bill that is not a hot or offensive topic of debate at the moment, however, every delegate should feel free to respectfully express their views, values, and opinions. Whether a delegate is writing a bill, giving a pros or cons speech, or debating the bill amongst the Assembly and Senate, make sure to stay within the rules and core values of the YMCA and Youth In Government organizations. No one can ever know how someone else has been impacted or dealt with the view that is being expressed, so just because one person believes in something, that does not mean that is the “correct” or “true” opinion.

Youth in Government delegates have a wide range of feelings about Model Government, ranging from excited to terrified. The aim of this article is to inform any delegate reading of how to improve their bill and make Model Government a time for fun and learning, and not making anyone feel negatively about themselves and their views.