Monthly Archives: February 2024

By Krrish Mohammed

We have seen many cases of police misconduct, and this case is no different. Kamari Jenkins was shot dead on November 22, 2022. Office Alex Greene shot Ms. Jenkins in the arm, which made her go into cardiac arrest and die a horrible death. According to Ferrin Glass, the neighbor, she saw that the lights were on, and the door was wide open. She stated, “It felt different and unusual for her place to be in that condition.” Ms. Glass immediately called the police to check on her neighbor. How would have known calling the police would have been a grave mistake? Many cases like this have happened before, Cohen Simpson and David S. Kirk wrote an article about this topic in which they researched police misconduct, and they found that many police officers are committing misconduct and influencing other officers. Another article written by Mackenzie Boyer talks about George Floyd’s death how it was unjust, and how it violated people’s rights. We can see that law enforcement has a lot of laws, and police misconduct is an issue that needs to be heard by everyone. Many innocent people are dying due to this issue. We need to take a plan of action to deal with this issue. I propose to improve and better the training methods for police trainees. We must work together to save us and everyone around us.

Sources:

Simpson, C. R., & Kirk, D. S. (2023). Is Police Misconduct Contagious? Non-trivial Null Findings from Dallas, Texas. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 39(2), 425–463. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10940-021-09532-7

Boyer, M. (2023). “I Can’t Breathe”: How Recording the Police Can Save a Life and the Justice System. Widener Law Review, 29(2), 241– Save 262.

By Amina Ahmed

Kevin Arputharaj battles adolescent mental illness.

Austin, TX – Delegate, Kevin Arputharaj, presents bill HB119 and brings forth change in public high schools across the state. Arputharaj’s bill is an act allocating funding for mental health programs for high schools in the state of Texas. The delegate declares his bill an emergency, rightfully so, and his bill advocates for the mental health and academic readiness of high school students who seem disregarded and lacking in incentive for education.

Within the 2021 article by the World Health Organization, studies illustrate, “Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 7 (14%) 10–19 year-olds experience mental health conditions (1), yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated. Arputharaj’s bill combats the growing number of adolescents struggling with mental health issues and improves academic performances in high schools by providing a support system for our youth to depend on. Arputharaj introduced the bill to the committee by including logistical and financial plans, taking into account recent studies on adolescent mental health as well as the availability of counselors in the state of Texas. The delegate persuades his fellow peers by presenting the necessity of the bill, arguing “We’re not just throwing money at the situation, we are reconstructing the foundation for school” and continues by explaining, “The bill encourages future counselors through scholarship programs and insuring a pipeline of passionate individuals. This bill will result in a healthier effect, building a healthier society and empowering students by addressing mental issues through school…”.

Arputharaj refutes the con arguments of peers’ who believe his bill encourages financial issues and the depleting amount of counselors per high school by explaining his bill’s plan of action. The delegate plans on starting with a reasonable baseline fund, and see how the program kicks off from that point. He furthers his point by connecting poor academic performance demonstrated by high schoolers to the rising number of adolescents with mental illnesses. Arputhara concludes his presentation strongly and leaves a lasting impression of concern and change-making with his fellow peers resulting in the approval of his bill. This young delegate is bringing change to our struggling youth and acts to prevent mental illness on the rise.

Citations: https://www.who.int/news-
room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

By Medah Rapuri, Greenhill High School

Less about the typical “good intentions” & more about “genuine passion”

The Legislative section in Youth and Government contains very passionate delegates. They often choose to create bills concerning the issues that they deeply care about. Notably, Prabath Girish, a devoted Junior from the Greenhill delegation, stands out as a beacon of clear passion in this community.

Girish’s bill aims to address homelessness in Texas. It’s provisions include fund reallocation. Involving allocation of 10% for building new shelters, 55% for maintaining existing shelters (increasing to 65% after 2025), 20% for financial support to homeless individuals, and 15% for additional policy actions or ongoing projects.

The bill also repeals Texas House Bill 1925, which addresses camping prohibitions for homeless individuals. The heart of the bill lies in the Homelessness Education Program, which mandates life skills education in areas like financial literacy and resume writing, with a curriculum that cycles quarterly. Shelters must have two certified employees trained by the state to teach these skills. The educational program requires a minimum of three classes per week at various time slots. Penalties are outlined for shelters failing to meet requirements, including warnings and, in certain cases, the replacement of shelter leadership. The bill is set to take effect at the beginning of the 2025 Fiscal Year after the adjournment of the Youth Legislature.

Despite having a reduced opponent/proponent discussion time, Girish secured a favorable committee recommendation for his bill. Facing a single opponent, Girish addressed concerns effectively. In the end, the bill had one amendment, meant to increase funding for shelters. However, this strategic amendment only bolstered support. The committee’s positive recommendation for senate action highlighted Girish’s leadership, adaptability, and commitment to community welfare.

When asked about the inspiration behind his bill, Girish revealed a deep passion for addressing homelessness.

In an interview, Girish states his experience on having “seen people who’ve had to experience homelessness and the failure of the current
system.”He claims his bill “designs a massive overhaul for the system to better it.”

In an interview, Akash Bose, a new member of Legislative, praises Girish on his ‘passion for his bill & love for debate.’ Girish, having shared his personal experience and commitment to improving the system, receives acknowledgment not only for his dedication but also for his skill in fostering meaningful discussions within the Legislative community.”

Girish has been an active participant in the Legislative program since 6th grade. This year, he has taken a significant step by running for Youth Governor, showcasing his evident passion for the democracy and the government. Looking ahead, he aspires to pursue a career in law, driven by his experience in making a positive impact through his time as a Legislator in Youth and Government.

By Rigoberto Frausto Martinez

As the question “Should Potassium Bromate be used as an ingredient for popular foods?” arises. We will be talking about the opposing views that answer the given bill. We will find out if the bill passed or not and any information that is proposed with it.

FOR

Potassium bromate is commonly found in large quantities in major distribution bread companies. “Several studies have shown that potassium bromate has acute and chronic health effects” (Ncheuveu Nkwatoh, 1. Introduction). These health issues include damage to liver cells, intestines, and DNA.” if you didn’t know”, DNA that gets damaged and altered will most likely cause cancer in the person consuming potassium bromate. The entire point of this bill is to instill and define the usage of this ingredient found in many cheap and popular foods. Many corporations know these health risks but care more about the profit coming in from sales of these products instead of the consumers’ lives. “Potassium bromate used in wheat flour is also already regulated by the FDA, limiting it to 0.0075 parts per 100 of the flour by weight” (Jade Jurdi, article). FDA is aware of the risks but truly can’t do anything to limit huge corporations, for they find loopholes and walk over any restrictions that are not enforced. The bill that was proposed, instilled that these companies would have to pay certain fines based on the number of times they would be found with these harsh chemicals and would also be enforced in a suitable but strict manner. There would probably be no drawbacks if companies were to follow the restrictions, in advance, there is a common and cheaper healthier alternative that could be used to replace potassium bromate (acidic acid).

AGAINST

As you may conclude, changes in manufacturing can be quite slow and demanding at times when distributed in large quantities. With this in mind, what are we going to do about all the people that heavily depend on these cheap foods derived from Potassium Bromate? The decrease in the supply of these products can impact a great variety of people in vast communities. Not only is there a substantial backlash from ingredient changes, but there is a problem with the restrictions imposed by the FDA. The FDA will probably not truly enforce the restrictions on the huge corporations, but on the contrary, on the small businesses that rely on Potassium Bromate as a cheap source for their local produce. How would the restrictions introduced to local businesses affect the local production of bread? This would heavily impact their production and the locals being provided with the bread.

In conclusion to these opposing sides, the delegates of the legislative house & senate comity 11 in suite 4 voted “for” the passing of this bill.

Citations:

• Ncheuveu Nkwatoh, t., fon, t. P., & navti, l. K. (2023). Potassium bromate in bread, health risks to bread consumers and toxicity symptoms amongst bakers in Bamenda, North West region of Cameroon. Heliyon, 9(2), e13146. – Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13146
• California becomes the first American jurisdiction to ban four chemicals in foods. Steptoe. (n.d.). – Https://www.steptoe.com/en/news-publications/california-consumer-chemicals-law-blog/california-becomes-the-first-american-jurisdiction-to-ban-four-chemicals-in-foods.html

TXYG 78TH CHIEF OF JUSTICE CANDIDATE JASMINE JOHN DISCUSSES HER PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF VG

by Eliza Pepito

Coming from District 5, Garland High School Junior Jasmine John is proving herself to be THE Chief of Justice candidate to keep your eye out for. Garnering over 5 years of experience as a YG delegate, John has been putting her best step forward ever since her first year in the program. After being placed into Appellate Court (a section within YG’s Judicial Branch) during her Sophomore year, John conveys her initial feelings of inexperience and uncertainty due to not having been familiar with how the section functions. John recalls the time when she had relied on “YouTube videos” to help her navigate the new and unfamiliar territory. Therefore, through her campaign for TXYG’s 78th Chief Justice, John aims to “expand” the Appellate section by helping it accumulate more recognition as well as make it easier for others to join the section by “[providing more] resources.” With experience as both an “attorney [and) justice” at NJC (National Judicial Competition) as well as winning “number one attorney in the country”, John truly believes her deep involvement and immense accomplishments in Appellate have aided in her better understanding of the section as a “close-knit” family. Although many, such as Delegate Kaavya Sampath from Greenhill School, have been appreciating John and her campaign due to her confession of having joined YG for the “hot men”, thus revealing a “gutsy” as well as “hilarious and energetic” aspect unique to John’s campaign, John believes her platform concerning “Professional Development” is especially important in creating change within YG. John states that a delegate’s succession “should continue on past YG”. Thus, she aims to make opportunities such as “[networking], internships, [and) scholarships” more accessible to YG students since they are the “best candidates” for those positions. Although John’s campaign has received much attention due to her unique declaration of loving hot men, John has also possessed qualities within her campaign that truly harbor the potential to bring genuine change to the YG program, which can only help better the program. For that reason and in the words of a potential future leader in the TXYG program, “You want something cine? Jasmine John is the One!”