The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau had the privilege of participating in the YMCA’s 89th Annual Youth and Government conference in Albany, NY on March 21st, 2025 – March 23rd, 2025. Eighteen students from Westhampton Beach, Hampton Bays, Pierson, and Southampton High Schools spent the last six months researching important issues and drafting their own bills to amend current NYS legislation. Students then had the opportunity to represent the Town of Southampton Youth Bureau and debate their proposed bills in hearing rooms and in the chambers of the New York State Assembly.
All four bills submitted by the Town of Southampton Youth Bureau’s delegation received the “Seal of State Approval” which is only awarded to bill teams for exemplifying excellence in structure, clarity, and research and honors those who uphold the highest standards of bill writing. All four bills initially passed in the Chambers. In addition, one bill was endorsed by the Youth Governor and two bills ranked in the top 10 bills during legislative committees on the first day of the conference. Three of the four bills presented by the Town of Southampton Youth Bureau passed in the Chambers and were officially signed into law by the Youth Governor.
“The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau is proud of all the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that was displayed by our four bill teams at this year’s conference. All four bill teams presented eloquently and were precise in delivery. Programs such as Youth & Government is crucial in providing our local youth with a voice and teaching them the importance of the democratic process. These students are our leaders of tomorrow. We are so proud of how well they presented their bills and how they participated in meaningful debate with over 730 students across New York State” stated Assistant Director of Youth Bureau Peter Strecker.
For more information about the Town of Southampton Youth Bureau’s Youth and Government program, please call (631) 702-2425 or visit www.southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau .
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