Read the “resolutions” from the session led by County Chairwoman Kelly Fitzpatrick
From Steuben County,
Today in Steuben County, students participating in the Steuben County Youth in Government Intern Program conducted a simulated legislative session in the Steuben County Legislative Chambers. The session allowed students to formally present and debate mock legislation modeled after the Steuben County Legislature, addressing real issues impacting communities across the county.
The session was led by Steuben County Legislature Chairwoman Kelly Fitzpatrick, who welcomed the students and praised their professionalism, preparation, and commitment to civic engagement. Chairwoman Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of engaging young people in local government and helping them understand how policy decisions are made at the county level.
Also in attendance were Steuben County Legislators Hilda Lando, William Thew, Joe Tobia, and Fred Potter, who joined students, friends, and family members in the Legislative Chambers to observe and support the presentations.
During the simulated legislative session, students presented the following mock resolutions:
- Adding a Full-Time Position to the Youth Bureau to Coordinate Volunteering in High Schools, presented by Ms. Pollack of Prattsburgh Central School.
- Incorporating Public Comment and Transparency in Legislative Committee Meetings, presented by Mr. Stauring of Canisteo-Greenwood Central School.
- Providing a Social Media Course for Government Departments, presented by Mr. Joseph Carl of Jasper-Troupsburg Central School.
- Putting a Warming Shelter in the City of Hornell, presented by Ms. Roy of Prattsburgh Central School.
- Establishing a County Youth Employment Program, presented by Mr. Cook of Jasper-Troupsburg Central School.
- Creating a New Bus Route for Steuben County Transit, presented by Ms. Foreman of Hornell High School.
- Authorizing an Increase from 12/7 to 24/7 Ambulance Coverage, presented by Mr. Alex Carl of Jasper-Troupsburg Central School.
- Hosting an Elderly Abuse Awareness Day, presented by Ms. Beecher of Prattsburgh Central School.
Each student followed formal legislative procedure, including introduction of their resolution, explanation of intent, and participation in discussion, mirroring the real workings of the Steuben County Legislature.
The purpose of the mock legislative sessions is to promote civic responsibility and increase youth involvement in local government. By engaging students directly in the legislative process, the program builds leadership skills, encourages informed citizenship, and inspires the next generation to take an active role in public service.
“The Youth Interns did an outstanding job today,” commented Youth Bureau Coordinator Bill Caudill, “…and having actual legislators attend and participate in the discussion makes it an even more realistic experience. The Interns each selected their own topic, and the range of topics gave the legislators insight into the priorities of the county’s youth.”
The Steuben County Youth in Government Intern Program is conducted by the Steuben County Youth Bureau and sponsored by the Steuben County Legislature and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
