Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is kicking off a contest, open to all middle school students, grades 6-8, in the 88th Assembly District, titled “There Ought to Be a Law.” This contest asks students to identify a problem impacting New Yorkers which needs a legislative solution by creating a new law. One (1) first-place winner will be selected and have the prize of knowing that his or her idea has a chance at becoming a law that impacts over 19 million New Yorkers. One (1) second-place winner and one (1) third-place winner will also be chosen to receive an official citation from the New York State Assembly.
The first-place contest winner will have the opportunity to join Assemblywoman Paulin in Albany where the winner will be acknowledged by members of the New York State Assembly on the Assembly floor and have a private tour of the State Capitol.
Please take this important opportunity to make positive change in New York, learn about your government and the state legislative process, and have your voice heard at the State Capitol! Middle school principals, teachers, and staff can contact the district office for more information by either calling (914) 723-1115, or by emailing paulina@assembly.state.ny.us — Attention: Lisa Hofflich, Community Liaison for Assemblywoman Paulin. 
How does the contest work?
Students interested in entering the contest will write an essay (750 words maximum) detailing their proposed idea for a law.
To Students: what you choose to write about is up to you, so feel free to get creative! To help you get started, here are some things to consider about your proposed bill idea:
- What’s the problem that needs a legislative solution?
- What’s your solution? Be as detailed as possible.
- What’s the background on this problem? (Are there any statistics, reports, historical information, or even your own personal stories that you could use to back up the need for a legislative proposal?)
- Are there any financial impacts? If so, how much money do you think it would cost?
- Who do you think would support this bill?
- Who do you think would oppose this bill?
The contest is open to all middle school students who live in the 88th Assembly District. This covers the following cities, towns and villages: Scarsdale, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Pelham, and parts of New Rochelle and White Plains.
How to submit your entry?
Those interested in participating in the contest can submit their entries in two ways:
1) Download and fill out this PDF form, email it and the essay on your proposed law to paulina@assembly.state.ny.us – Attention: Lisa Hofflich, Community Liaison for Assemblywoman Paulin — along with the following information:
- Subject line: There Ought to Be a Law Contest Entry
- Attach BOTH the Registration Form and the essay (in either an MS Word or Adobe PDF File)
OR
2) Directly fill out this online form.
What is the contest timeline?
- February 29: All contest submissions are due by midnight on February 29, 2016.
- April 1: The first-, second-, and third-place winners will be notified by telephone and email.
- Mid-April to Early June: The first-place contest winner will be able to travel to Albany to join Assemblywoman Paulin in the State Capitol before the end of the legislative session. The exact date and time will depend on the Assemblywoman’s meeting schedule.
- If you have any questions, please contact Assemblywoman Paulin’s District Office at (914) 723-1115.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin 