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Press Update!

We are currently working on the first paper of the day-- almost ready to print! Be sure to check it out.  In this issue, we covered things such as the dance, gubernatorial speeches, organic food, unusual bills, music and movie reviews, and fun polls!

Pictures from Governor's Banquet and Officer Auction

FRIDAY'S DANCE

REVIEW

Delegates seemed to enjoy the dance on Friday night after the Governor's Banquet.  Although most of them were on the dance floor, there were still some students at tables or in the hallway socializing with friends.  Andrew Gossett complied the music for the dance, but students requested songs as well.  Excitement is spreading for Saturday's night dance where the theme is "Black and White."

Governor's Banquet

Last night at the Governor’s banquet, the four Gubernatorial candidates gave their speeches. 

Caylyn Harvey, a junior at Brentwood Academy, spoke about her dedication to the conference and her plans to improve education and clean energy.  She has reiterated her ideas to voters throughout the weekend, giving them concrete examples of how she would take on the role as governor.  She also spoke about her qualifications.  She served as Chief of Staff to the Governor her sophomore year and is currently the Speaker of the Blue House.

Jimmie Williams Jr., a junior at Central High School, gave a seventeen-minute speech at the banquet.  His speech covered everything from domestic violence to the price of higher education and ended with the song “Rocky Top Tennessee.” 

Brett O’Connell, Ravenwood High School, gave a passionate speech about his dedication to the students and his dream of making a difference.

Jimmy Paul, Merrol Hyde Magnet School, gave a short speech outlining his dedication to the conference and willingness to give his all for the delegates.

Press Progress Update

Press is working on the third edition of the paper for today.  Our editor, Alexandra Watkins, has been working hard to meet her goal of printing six papers throughout the weekend!!

The video press is working on a voiceover for a song on tonight's broadcast.  Tune into channel 73 at the Sheraton.

A View from the Top

Some of our delegates took an adventure to the top of capitol hill today during lunch hour.  There are 189 steps on the way up.  Lindsey Cherry, a junior at Brentwood Academy said, "The long walk 189 steps was well worth seeing the amazing view of downtown Nashville.  The maintenance man let us look out of the roof which was way scarier than I expected."

An act to require drug tests to unemployment applicants

Caroline Leftwich and Elizabeth Lund
St. Cecilia Academy

Tennessee spends $381,000,000 on unemployment each year.  These delegates proposed a required drug test to all unemployment applicants.  The applicants would be given five days prior notice and would be strongly urged to participate in drug counseling programs if they test positive.  Additionally, they could apply for unemployment again six months after their failed test.  Several delegates questioned the funding for these rehabilitation programs, and they informed them the funding is already built in to the Medicaid funds.  Other skeptical delegates questioned whether the applicants could rid their system of drugs within the five days.  Ultimately, the bill was passed because of the estimated $791,000,000 the state would save.

Bills that passed Friday Morning in Red Senate

An act to require all in-ground burials to be vertical burials
Garrett Wilson and Parker Evans

This bill was proposed to save space in the shrinking land set aside for burials in TN.  It would require everyone to be buried vertically in the ground unless they previously bought a plot or refuse due to religious obligations.  It is currently around $7000 for a horizontal burial and $2000 for a vertical one.  Opponents questioned the bill, because it has never been implemented in the United States before and allows for an easy opt-out process.  However, the Senate ultimately concluded the space and monetary benefits outweighed the cons.

Joint Session Friday Morning

This morning at 9:30 a.m. in the House chambers, the first joint session was held.  The keynote speaker was Secretary of State Tre Hargett.  He gave an empowering speech that urged the young students at Youth Leg to make a difference in our state.  He said that they are the future of our world and they hold the power to transform politics for the better.  Afterward, YIG Governor Taylor Norton gave his first speech that outlined his views on illegal immigration, health care, and education.  Jill Nagle read the docket and the session closed.

Bills

Two bills proposed in this year’s Bill Book include:

An act to mandate the placement of seatbelts on all school buses registered within the state of Tennessee.

Autumn A. White, Marisa B. Knox, Ronisha Stewart

Central High School

An act to increase the safety of Tennessee roadways.

Emily Samuel, Anna Storey

Brentwood Academy

Press Corps

The Press Corps component of Youth in Government is a chapter of the conference that produces a newspaper and a broadcast.  Usually writing at least three papers and three broadcasts throughout the weekend, Press covers everything from current events to fashion trends.  There are currently seventeen members of the Press and Video Corps and they are working around the clock to produce quality news.  Tune into channel 73 to see the daily broadcast and be sure to pick up the newspaper at the info desk!

Gubernatorial Debate

Tonight was the Youth in Government Gubernatorial Debate between the four candidates for Governor for next year's conference.  The candidates are Brett O'Connell of Ravenwood High School, Jimmie Williams Jr. of Central High School, Caylyn Harvey of Brentwood Academy, and Jimmy Paul of Merrol Hyde Magnet School.  Meredith Whitfield, college staff, hosted the debate.  She posed questions at the candidates who were given time to answer the question and alloted time to rebut their opponent's statement.  The questions included topics such as the expected rise in the price of higher education, illegal immigration, the adoption of an income tax, and medical malpractice suits in Tennessee.  Delegates will vote on Saturday and the outcome will be announced at closing session on Sunday morning.

Youth in Government 2011 begins

The Tennessee Youth in Government Conference officially began Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m. with opening sessions.  After the officers processed in and the candidates gave their speeches, the delegates were dismissed to their committees.  So, what is Youth in Government?  Youth in Government is a YMCA funded program for young adults in middle Tennessee in which youth who seek to change their communities and get a taste of politics on the state level meet for a four-day conference at the state capitol.  These intelligent high school students compose and present mock bills that they must defend and justify to their peers.  The YMCA promotes youth development and encourages them to speak up and speak their mind.  Today, the next generation will debate, agree, and compromise on issues that face our state.