SCHUYLKILL HAVEN – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) will host his annual ‘Senator for Day’ event at Penn State’s Schuylkill Campus on Thursday, May 9. The event, which will be held in the Student Community Center on campus, will feature 11 school districts from throughout the 29th Senatorial District.
Kicking off at 8 a.m., the Senator’s program separates the students into four committees – Education, Transportation, Finance and State Government – declaring the students “Senators” for the day.
Students are required to read the legislative proposals and articles of interest beforehand, which are featured on www.SenatorArgall.com/StudentGovernment, and debate bills in their respective committees. Students are chosen to sponsor, debate and defend a bill.
Argall believes the hands-on experience has been positive based on previous seminars.
“This program brings the government textbooks to life,” Argall said. “Some of the issues these students debate are actual hot-button items currently being discussed in Harrisburg. It is an engaging program that allows for maximum participation, while providing a unique learning experience for local students.”
Students will have the opportunity to debate real issues before the General Assembly including a school property tax elimination bill similar to a measure sponsored by Argall. Other proposals include privatizing state-owned liquor stores, selling the state’s lottery system, and use of cell phones while driving.
Argall said the relevant topics keep it interesting.
“It is one thing to read about state issues in the newspaper, but it’s another to actually debate the issues. I’m looking forward to a very interesting day,” Argall said.
The program will conclude at 1:30 p.m.