First published in the Jan. 14 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
California legislators take heed, the Burbank YMCA’s Youth & Government program is back after a two-year hiatus, with this year’s participants to present and debate mock bills they have written at Burbank City Hall on Jan. 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Students in the program have a long history of changing state laws ― like the motorcycle helmet and seat belt laws, both of which started as mock legislation created in the Youth & Government program.
Acting as legislators, students in the program learn more than just the policy process, they become leaders, learn team-building skills, gain confidence and find their voice in this hands-on, civics education program.
The writing of mock bills and presentation and debate they will do at City Hall is in preparation for a three-day trip to Sacramento, where they will take over the legislative chambers, visit the governor’s office and tour the State Supreme Court.
More than two dozen participants of the program have held office nationally, notable California alums include State Controller Betty Yee and former Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes.
