By Rachel M. Harper, SGA Reporter
Students met key state legislators and even passed mock legislation (80 mph speed limit) when the State Political Science Society visited the state Capitol last Thursday.
The day began with a mock legislative session led by House Clerk, Steve Harrison. The students were able to simulate a state legislative session, including debating and voting on a mock bill to increase the speed limit to 80 mph on interstate highways. The bill passed with a vote of 10-8.
Next, Speaker of the House of Delegates, Tim Armstead (R- 40th District) joined the students to talk about his journey in WV politics. He discussed memorable moments he’d had and the stories behind some important items in his office. Speaker Armstead has chosen not to seek re-election, but plans to run for the WV Supreme Court in 2020.
Students then joined Senator Corey Palumbo for lunch in the Capitol Cafeteria. They discussed a wide range of policy issues from Education to solutions for Medicaid.
After lunch, students reconvened on the House floor for an interactive panel, “Prospective Career Paths Inside and Outside of Government.” Panel speakers included Steve Harrison (House Clerk, West Virginia House of Delegates), Rebecca McPhail (President, WV Manufacturers Association), Anne Blankenship (President, WV Oil and Natural Gas Association), and Jason Pitzatella Esquire (Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC). All of the members of the panel have attended a WV College or University for part or all of their education. After discussing their individual journey’s they took questions from the audience. They discussed how contacts and relationships are key and that you never know who will help you along the way. They reiterated the point that there is no one straight path to where you’re going.
Anne Blankenship said “student debt is good debt” and her advice for prospective law school students was “ If you live like a lawyer in law school, you’ll live like a law student when you are a lawyer.” Jason Pizatella said that there are a few things that he attributes to his success and they are timing, always being prepared, he never lies, he always returns phone calls, and, of course, luck.
Students were able to learn a great deal from Thursday’s event. They had extraordinary opportunities debating and voting on bills. They had time with the Speaker of the House to hear intimate stories about his time in the Capitol. They had lunch with a Senator and talked openly about real policy issues and potential solutions. Most importantly, they received reassurance that life turns out okay even if it is not what you expected. If you work hard and keep faith in yourself and your abilities, you can do anything.
The event was sponsored and organized by the WVSU Political Science Society. This organization focuses on outreach in local communities, teaching political understanding, and to help student’s transition into careers in the fields of public administration and/or law. The organization has already begun plans for a similar event in the fall.
If you are interested in events like these or would like more information on the WVSU Political Science Society, please email President, Rachel Harper at rharper9@wvstateu.edu or Vice President, Cal Colangelo at ccolangelo@wvstateu.edu
