Students get a taste of democracy

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther explains law process

By LISA CUTRONI

GLEN SPEY, NY — It all starts with a single idea and with enough support, it becomes a bill, then a law.

That’s what fourth-grade students in Heather Trotta’s Mackenzie Elementary class learned during a special visit by state assemblywoman Aileen Gunther on March 8.

“I think it’s important to visit elementary classes,” Gunther said. “The earlier the kids get involved in government, the better. It’s difficult to explain the processes of the different houses. Now they have a jump start on it.”

The assemblywoman was invited to the class by one of Trotta’s students, Erin Donnelly. Donnelly had bumped into Gunther during a pancake breakfast in Eldred a couple of weeks ago. When Gunther learned Donnelly’s class was studying government and the young student invited her to attend, she accepted.

During the half-hour visit, Gunther explained to students the process of how a bill becomes a law.

They were given a chance to experience what happens during a legislative session when Steven Wilkinson, legislative director, passed around a mock bill calling for an extension of the current recess time allotted to students.

The students were asked to look over the bill and consider whether they would pass or reject the proposal. Throughout the process, Gunther and Wilkinson explained to students what would happen during a real legislative session.

When students asked Gunther why she wanted to be an assemblywoman, she replied, “I wanted to continue the good work my husband did, and it’s really fun representing you.”

She broke down her job responsibilities for the students, telling them that she is responsible for “laws and budgets.”

Most of all, she told them, “We try to make things easier for people in Sullivan and Orange counties.”

After a brief biographical question-and-answer period, Gunther left the class with this message: “Study hard and work hard.”

How a bill becomes law

• An idea is submitted to the Bill Drafting Commission,

• The idea is translated into formal bill language.

• The bill is introduced into the House or the Assembly and assigned a number.

• The bill gets assigned to the appropriate committee for analysis.

• If the committee supports the bill, it continues to the floor, if not it “dies” in committee.

• Bills requiring state funds are sent to the Ways and Means Committee for cost and payment analysis.

• The bill is printed and placed on the members’ desks at least three days the vote

• The bill goes to the floor for debate and voting.

• If the bill passes in one house, it must also be approved by the other house.

• If both houses pass the bill, it is sent to the governor for signing.

• Once the governor has the bill, it can either be approved, vetoed or given “pocket approval.” Pocket approval is when the governor fails to act on the bill for 10 days, when it is then automatically approved.

• If the governor vetoes the bill, it can still be approved if a 2/3 majority of both houses vote in favor.

• The bill, once signed by the governor, becomes a law.