Students invited to suggest a state law

Assemblyman Bill Reilich invites any fourth grade students in this district to participate in a district wide contest. "Since New York state standards include the study of state government in fourth grade, I thought this program would be both a fun and informative culminating activity for fourth grade students in my district," Reilich said. Each participant will be allowed to submit one idea for consideration.

All submitted "ideas" would be reviewed and then presented and judged by a selection committee with the potential of having the winning idea drafted into a bill and presented to the NYS Assembly for a vote. All students who participate will receive a certificate thanking them for their participation.

The selection committee will be formed and will review all the ideas that are submitted and make the final decision on which piece of legislation will make its way to Albany. Reilich said he will host an assembly at the school of the winning piece of legislation and personally read the piece of legislation and detail the next steps throughout the process of watching the bill as it processes through the system. He will also highlight many of the suggestions on his weekly television show and showcase the winning piece of legislation.

The proposed original legislation submitted by the student would need to be explained in writing with as much detail as possible, but would be limited to two pages in length. Last year, students from Kirk Road Elementary had their idea chosen. They proposed that the Lilac Bush be the official bush of New York State. Students from the school traveled to Albany and toured the capital. Similar plans are in place this year as well. All entries are due on Tuesday, March 29. Call the district office at 585-225-4190 for information.

Assemblyman Reilich represents residents in the 134th district, which includes the towns of Greece, Ogden and Sweden.