Students 'Capitalize' on Senate Opportunity

April 8, 2010 - More than 100 students from nine area school districts convened at Montgomery County Community College, West Campus in Pottstown, and got a hands-on look at how legislation works its way through the Pennsylvania Senate and is defeated or becomes law.

The students each became a "Senator for a Day" during the seminar hosted by Sen. John Rafferty who was joined by top officials from the Montgomery County District Attorney's office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Department of Environmental Protection and top educators.

Rafferty said the best way to learn about the legislative process is to participate in it. The Seminar for Future Leaders, now in its seventh year, offered the students a first-hand opportunity to develop legislation, debate the issues in committee, amend the bills, table the bills or send the measure to the full Senate, where again it would be debated, amended and finally voted on.

"This is one of the most fun events I have the opportunity to sponsor each year," Sen. Rafferty said. "It is a great learning experience for the students to help them realize the importance divergent opinions play in the legislative process."

Following an opening discussion on how the legislative process works, the "Senators,"" were split into Senate committees – Judiciary, Education, Environment and Transportation – and each given two bills.

In their respective committee, the Senators debated such issues the death penalty and gun control; legislation that would ban handheld cell phones while driving and legislation to place limits on passengers in vehicles; legislation promoting alternative energy and an effort to mandate a refund value for recycled beverage containers.

Following a recess for lunch, the Senators reconvened in full session where the legislation drafted by the committees was introduced by the committee chairmen and then debated, amended in some cases, and finally voted on.

The session was presided over by Senator Rafferty, who served as "Lt. Governor for a Day."

With the votes in, the "Senate" adjourned for the day, and a new group of "Senators" will convene next April to help shape the laws that affect the lives of their constituents.