By Aashvi Patel, Saint James Academy Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer Sims Goodrich, author of first year bill #36: “McDonald’s Is Giving Us Cancer,” proposes a 1% tax on under-researched food colorings, artificial flavors, and preservatives that have been proven harmful to human health. Additionally, she argues that all foods containing these chemicals should carry a warning label … [Read More]
“One Nation Under God:” The Debate Over Senate Bill #55
By Aashvi Patel, Saint James Academy Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer Senate bill #55 by Lily Landers sparked controversy by proposing the requirement of the Bible as a reference when teaching the historical background of constitutional decisions made by key figures in U.S. history. Furthermore, Landers proposes the mandated incorporation of the Bible into the AP Government … [Read More]
Forming Future Leaders Through ALYIG Lobbyists
By Palmer Cerniglia and Clara McShane, Spain Park High School Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writers The ALYIG lobbyists have an important role at Youth Leg. Lobbyists work tirelessly behind the scenes to develop arguments either for or against specific bills. ALYIG’s lobbyists evaluate bills on the dockets in depth to decide on bills they find interesting or … [Read More]
Senate Spotlight: Delegates Debate “Ballots After Bars” and “Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health,” and more
By Drue Perkins, Mountain Brook High School Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer “Ballots After Bars:” A Bill Allowing Felons to Vote After Prison As a democracy, Americans are given the right to vote. “Ballots After Bars” by Senator Veronica Keene aims to extend this right to those who are currently denied it. If passed, this bill would … [Read More]
First-Year Delegates Debate Special Order Bills
By Palmer Cerniglia, Spain Park High School Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer Alabama’s Youth Legislature has seen an active start from its newest members, with first-year delegates’ bills aimed at taking on diverse issues. From addressing mental health and energy production to promoting healthier lifestyles and decreasing nicotine use among students, these freshman debaters bring fresh perspectives … [Read More]
Best bills and signed bills for the 2024 session of the Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature
Best Bills Committees of independent judges with expertise in bill writing chose these bills as the best of the 2024 Youth Legislature session. Best bills do not have to pass in chamber to be considered for the award: SB24 by Anna Beth Frazier, Spain Park High School, Hoover — Giving Them Their Right! — Amendment … [Read More]
Remembering Justice Hugh Maddox
Justice Hugh Maddox 1930 – 2020 Justice Hugh Maddox was a gentle man who made a tremendous impact on the YMCA for many decades. In 1979 he helped found the YMCA Youth Judicial program in Alabama. Although it began with only a handful of students as part of Youth Legislature, Youth Judicial has gone on … [Read More]
House of Representative Representing
The 73rd Alabama Youth Legislature Conference is underway and everybody is doing an amazing job to make the most of the conference. The debate has been wonderful. Everybody has been very passionate but also respectful. Anna Dickey proposed a great bill in the House pushing for mental health to be taught in Alabama public schools. … [Read More]
Stellar Debate in the Senate
Debate in the Senate has been exciting to watch throughout the day. As debate continues, we have heard from some outstanding delegates with fantastic arguments. Due to a smaller number of members in the Senate, we have experienced more lively debate. Senator Vincent Indovina had an intriguing bill about relocating coal ash pits to prevent … [Read More]
Energetic Debate in the First Year Chamber
By: Mary Virginia Huffaker Debate is lively and energetic in the First Year Chamber as Presiding Officer Jeffrey Ford directs new participants in proper debate and etiquette. Three bills in the First Year Chamber have passed so far, including both special order bills. Bill #159, titled “Our Voice; Student Representation in School Board … [Read More]