Mr. Joe Klezek’s and Mr. Barry Gresh’s Civics classes were
fortunate to have Debbie Birch, Beth Thomas, and Charlie Vizzini from State
House Representative Frank Burns’ 72nd District office in to speak about the
government process. In particular, the focus of their visit was to educate
students on the legislative process and how a bill becomes a law. Students were
able to discuss the format through which a bill is presented, as well as role
play the duties and responsibilities of specific high ranking officials such as
the Speaker of the House, Floor leaders, and Whips. At the climax of the
presentation, students were able to put forth pieces of their own legislation
that would be debated on the “House floor”, which led to interesting
discussions on numerous subjects such as: Keystone Testing requirements and
Pennsylvania motorcycle helmet laws. Students were able to debate differing
viewpoints and got a glimpse of just how convoluted the political process can
be. The information provided by the representatives from Mr. Burns’ office will
undoubtedly supplement our students’ curriculum here at the high school and
will serve to bolster their understanding of the political process that will be
put in front of them in the very near years to come.
