Missouri State Senator
Scott Rupp spoke to students at Heritage Intermediate on Nov. 30 about the important
functions of state government.
The Senator divided the 172 fourth graders into
two groups, one representing the Missouri
Senate and the other the Missouri
House of Representatives. Senator Rupp asked the students for ideas that they
thought would make a good law. Students responded with items that included a law
mandating ice cream at school, not having to make up snow days and one that
would make the school day shorter. Additionally, a suggestion was made that a
mandatory six-hour recess would make a great law, and quite a few students
agreed.
One of those in agreement was 10-year old Abi Jessen, who, when
recognized by the President of the Senate, said “Mr. President, we should have
six hours of recess because it would give us more energy to learn.”
Another
student and member of the Senate, Olivia Harmann, argued against the bill
saying “I think it’s a bad idea to have a six-hour recess because we wouldn’t
be spending that time learning.”
The bill ultimately passed a voice vote in
both the House and Senate, but Governor (and fourth grade teacher) Brandis Genebacher
quickly vetoed the legislation. “We have too much important learning to do.” The
veto was overridden in the Senate, but lost by one vote in the House, so there
would be no change in recess on this day.
“This is a fun exercise that shows
students what we actually do in the Capitol,” said Senator Rupp. “They learn
how we make laws, why we make them, and how difficult the process can be
sometimes. But in the end they have a much better idea of how government works
on a daily basis. This is one of the most fun things I get to do as a Senator.”
From the Wentzville School District
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