Senator Robbins Provides Lessons in Government

More than 110 local students attend student government seminar

More than 110 local students from 18 schools had the chance to serve as "state Senators" today as part of Senator Bob Robbins' student government seminar. The students took on the role of legislators and were tasked with considering a number of bills. During the daylong seminar held at Thiel College's Howard Miller Student Center.

The students were separated into various "committees" in the morning to debate the merits of the bills and proposed amendments that were before their panels. The forums were intended to foster discussion and debate among the young people, according to Senator Robbins.

"This seminar today is intended to get you to participate in government. You will find that a lot of these issues sound simple and I am sure you will find there is a logical answer. You might find that other people disagree with you. That's what makes our system work," Senator Robbins said.

The students were reunited in the afternoon to meet as the Senate to vote on the bills reported out of the committees. Senator Robbins said the seminar was intended to challenge the students and show them that cooperation is often the key to effective government.

"Often times, you will find that cooperation is the key to getting things done," Senator Robbins continued. "I believe politics ought to be the art of the possible, not the impossible. There are times when you have to make the tough votes and there are times when you have to compromise to get things done.

Contact:

Gary Clark
(814) 336 2760

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