Paulin Holds 2nd 'There Ought To Be A Law' Contest

PELHAM, NY — Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, wants to hear what students think should be a law.

To that end, she has announced her second annual “There Ought to Be a Law” contest for students in grades six to eight throughout the 88th Assembly District.

Students must identify a problem impacting New Yorkers that could be solved via a legislative solution, according to a spokesman.

One first-place winner will be selected and have the opportunity to see his or her idea possibly become a new law. The winner will have the opportunity to join Paulin in Albany where he or she will be acknowledged on the floor of the New York State Assembly and have a private tour of the State Capitol.

Second and third-place winners will receive an official citation from the New York State Assembly.

All contest submissions are due by April 1. The students whose proposals are selected will be notified on April 15, with the first-place winner taking a trip to Albany sometime in late May or early June.

Interested students need to write an essay — 750 words maximum — detailing their proposed idea for a law. There are no limitations on what a student can recommend. Creativity is encouraged.

Entry forms can be found at www.amypaulin.com. Students can download the form and e-mail their entry or simply fill it out online.

Middle school principals, teachers, and staff can contact the district office for more information by either calling 914-723-1115, or by emailing paulina@nyassembly.gov. Any inquiries or submissions should be directed to Lisa Hofflich.

Pelham's Sarah Jane O'Connor was the winner of the inaugural “There Ought to Be a Law” contest held last year. The then-eighth-grader in the Pelham Middle School was awarded first place for her idea, which called for the state to mandate insurance coverage of hearing aids.

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