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Monthly Archives: March 2025

A HOUSE FULL OF FUTURE LEADERS

HYDE HOUSE JOINT SESSION: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TEXAS YOUTH LEGISLATION

BY:NAOMI ALEXANDER

AUSTIN, TX- The 2025 Texas Youth and Government State Conference brought together some of the brightest young minds in legislative debate, and at the center of it all was the Hyde House Joint Session. Taking place on Saturday, February 28th, this pivotal event provided a platform for delegates to present, debate, and vote on bills that could eventually land on the desk of the 78th Youth Governor, Preston Lee.

The Hyde House, a unique aspect of the legislative section, is where selected bills get a second chance at rigorous debate before advancing further. According to the Legislative Handbook, “At the State Conference, all bills are heard first in a committee, and some bills then advance to be heard again by a larger audience in the Hyde House, House and/or Senate chambers.” This process mirrors the real-world legislative system, preparing participants for potential careers in public policy, law, and government.

Delegate Elizabeth Cain presenting her Bill in Joint Session in the Hyde House

One of the top bills in this year’s Hyde House session was Delegate Elizabeth Cain’s Bill (HH035) from Duncanville High School. As the first bill presented at the session, it set a strong precedent for the rest of the day’s debates. Cain, a freshman from District 5, introduced legislation that aims to support families adopting older children from Texas Family Protective Services by providing a $600 monthly stipend. The bill also proposes a 10% private adoption surcharge to help fund the stipend.

Cain’s proposal highlights a critical issues— finding permanent homes for older children in foster care. “The stipend will only be given if the child is adopted at the age of 10 or older,” states the bill, ensuring that families are financially supported in taking on this important responsibility.

Additionally, the bill outlines strict penalties for private adoption agencies that fail to comply with the surcharge requirement, including heavy fines and potential revocation of their adoption licenses.

The Hyde House Joint Session showcased the dedication and passion of Youth and Government participants as they tackled real-world policy challenges. From child welfare reform to economic policies, the session provided a glimpse into the potential future of Texas leadership. With the Texas Youth Governor, Preston Lee, set to review bills that successfully pass both chambers, the decisions made in Hyde House could have a lasting impact on the program’s legacy.

As the conference continues, all eyes are on the legislative delegates, whose debates and decisions will shape the final docket of bills reaching the governor’s desk. Whether or not Cain’s bill becomes law in the Youth Government, its presence in the Hyde House Joint Session proves that young legislators are ready to take on Texas’ most pressing issues—one debate at a time.

Full view of the entire Hyde House in Joint Session

2025-03-01T13:57:40-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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HOMELESS, NOT HOPELESS: A PROSPOSITION TO CHANGE THE UNWANTED

 

Photo Caption: State Affairs students arguing pros and cons on a proposal arguing to reshape homeless teens and shelters

WRITTEN BY ALBERTO ROBLES

HOPE: Housing Initiatives, Opportunities for Employment, Prevention Services, and Empowerment Through Education

A proposition to address youth homelessness in Texas.

Tens of thousands of young people in Texas experience homelessness due to various factors. While obtaining an accurate count is challenging—partly due to youth in juvenile detention and cases where parental responsibility is rejected for simply running away—this underscores the urgent need for this proposal.

Authors Duante Grogan and Lavinya Roy accepted the challenges and debates necessary to develop this proposal.

At the start of the debate, Delegate W fiercely challenged the proposal, reminding the house of existing programs and raising concerns about the cost of initiating something that could be seen as redundant. Responding to this, Delegate M posed another strong objection, questioning what happens to individuals in the program once they reach adulthood. Roy explained that this program would not be a burden on costs, as the positive outcomes would ultimately benefit the economy. She also assured the house that there are clear guidelines in place to support individuals as they transition into adulthood.

Delegate O then gave a grand speech in favor of the proposal, emphasizing that it is not only a moral obligation but also a step toward significant improvements in the lives of homeless youth. These include reductions in youth homelessness, improved educational outcomes, increased employment and economic stability, and reductions in long- term public costs.

As the voting began, the house voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposal, with only three nays. The room erupted into applause, marking the first successful proposition passed in the State Affairs Committee.

Not only does this proposal bring positive change, but it also addresses underlying issues faced by Texas youth, highlighting the unfortunate reality of many who live in homelessness.

If proposed for broader adoption, this initiative will significantly reduce homelessness, improve education, and set Texas on a path to lead the nation in solving this critical issue—ultimately creating a brighter future for its youth.

 

2025-03-01T13:06:11-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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From Media to Governor: Spandana Palyam’s Journey to Leadership

From Editing Articles to Passing Law
By – Sumedha Rapuri
While some may know that her favorite ice cream flavor is Jamoca Almond Fudge or that she has an affinity for capybaras, what matters most to the 2024-2025 Youth and Government delegates is that Spandana Palyam is running to be governor for the 2025-2026 YG session. Currently serving as a media co-editor, Palyam is now setting her sights on a role where she can enact meaningful change within the program.
A Unique Transition
Her transition is quite an unconventional one. Most YG state officers tend to stay within their respective sections rather than pursuing higher leadership roles outside of them. However, Palyam has decided to take a different path. She credits her confidence in making this leap to her time as a state officer this year.
“The transition was very interesting because I had to draw from experiences outside of Texas Youth and Government,” Palyam shares. “Being a state officer gave me insight into how our officer team operates, and I realized that I would enjoy implementing my own policies for change.”
Experience That Shapes Leadership

Her background in media, legislative debate, and advocacy has shaped her leadership style. In media, she has learned how to navigate a session, be bold, and chase a story. The fast-paced nature of this section has sharpened her ability to think on her feet and communicate efficiently. Attending the Conference on National Affairs (CONA) pushed her even further, allowing her to refine her critical thinking and debate skills. “You have to be excellent at thinking on your feet while also sounding professional,” Palyam says. “It’s an excellent exercise in ‘fake it till you make it’—and then it actually works.”

2026-02-18T15:30:22-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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In’s and Out’s of GA: Proposals Being Presented


By: Lauren Henriquez
Fort Worth Delegation

Austin, TX – One of the biggest events in the SAF forum is GA, or General Assembly. General Assembly is where the top 12 proposals move on to be presented to the entire forum. In this event, the top 12 proposals have a chance of being passed through voting. Some of the proposals being passed deal with issues in Texas like housing, medical research, business lobbying, and prison reform.

One proposal being presented is titled the “H.O.P.E” initiative. The H.O.P.E initiative aims to provide opportunities for homeless youth in Texas. It aims to provide services for mental   health,   education, rehabilitation, career experience, and so much more. It takes into account various causes for homelessness and offers strategic guidance in order to reduce homelessness and encourage youth to find job opportunities for the betterment of their lives. During pro & con debate, many cons presented by delegate Hernandez III and delegate Wyatt were centered around

how the program might not offer support for youth that come of age and transition out of the program and if the program is offered to citizens who are not documented or are not U.S. citizens. The authors clarified that services are offered to immigrants and there will be a transition program to assist youth who age out of the program. The proposal was voted for and was voted for and was officially passed.

One proposal offers an educational program for new mothers that offer essential information like nutritional and medical care as well as talk about the possible complications that can arise throughout pregnancy due to being uneducated. Many cons presented by delegate were due to the already existing programs offered to new mothers . Edward’s argued these cons, stating “by completing existing services… were filling the critical gaps to make sure no mother is left without support.” highlighting how collaboration with existing programs can benefit mothers in Texas overall. In the end, the proposal was passed.

As GA has just begun, only 2 have been presented. Due to the addition of amendment periods and pro & con intent speeches, the usual presentation of a proposal takes 25 minutes. As the day progresses, we will see first hand how these delegates utilize their voices in order to push forward things they want to change within legislation in Texas. With these practices and events like GA, democracy is being fostered in the youth generation, which can then be spread for years to come.

2025-03-01T12:46:11-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Tom Foolery’s: A Place for Thrills and Laughter

By: Madison Trang
Glenda Dawson High School

Austin, TX – After a full day of intense debates, judicial hearings, and bill presentations, Youth and Government (YG) participants found the perfect way to let off steam—by heading to Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park at Kalahari Resorts. With heart-pounding rides, arcade games, and laser tag battles, the indoor amusement park became the ultimate playground for students looking to celebrate their hard work and to relax and unwind.

From the moment they entered, students were drawn to the “Twister,” a spinning ride that had them gripping their seats and laughing uncontrollably. “I thought debating was nerve-wracking, but this ride had my stomach flipping,” joked Yifan Wang, a senior from Glenda Dawson High School.

For those looking for more competitive fun, the arcade section offered everything from racing simulators to claw machines. Delegates eagerly swiped their game cards, determined to win prizes and beat their friends’ high scores.

“It’s crazy how competitive we get over a simple game of air hockey,” said Jasmine Nguyen, a senior from Klein Collins High School. “But I love that YG brings out our competitive and fun sides.”

The highlight of the night for many was laser tag, where teams formed alliances and strategized their way through the neon-lit arena. “We spent all day debating policies, and now we’re debating battle tactics,” laughed Ryan Brooks, a first-year delegate from Austin. “It’s all in good fun, though. YG friendships are built in and out of the conference rooms.”

Advisors and chaperones watched proudly as students bonded over rides and games, recognizing that moments like these are just as important as the learning experiences. “These kids work incredibly hard, and seeing them enjoy themselves is a reminder that YG is about more than just government—it’s about building lifelong memories,” said Ms. Rachel Foster, a long-time YG advisor.

As the night wound down, students left Tom Foolery’s with tired legs, hoarse voices, and beaming smiles. With another full day of Youth and Government ahead, they knew they’d be back to work soon—but for now, the thrill of the night was still fresh in their minds.

2025-03-01T12:18:02-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Addressing Texas’s Immigrant Communities’ Access to Healthcare Services

Delegate David Ci plans on providing improved accesibility of healthcare services to immigrant in Texas though his Bill, SB 12. As the first day of youth and government passes, delegate David Ci, from the Glenda Dawson delegation, starts his week by addressing a “serious gap” in Texas’s healthcare system for immigrants.

Ci highlights that immigrants, “documented or not,” face challenges such as “language barriers, cultural misunderstanding, and lack of insurance.” According to Health Data Management, language barriers can “lead to miscommunication between patients and medical professionals, reduced patient satisfaction, and compromised healthcare quality and patient safety.”

The immigrant (DSHS) to provide real-time interpretation services, such as language services, telehealth, and emergency consultations. It also plans to provide cultural competency training for healthcare professionals to address immigrant-specific health challenges, cultural stigma, socioeconomic impacts on health, and trauma trom displacement. It also plans to biennially conduct regular needs assessments to identify specific healthcare challenges.

First proponent speaker, delegate Cebastian Chan, mentions how as an immigrant, this bill was very touching given how many immigrants, like himself, are “anxious” about the healthcare system. Delegate Chan continues to mention how Singapore and Norway, which have an influx of immigrants, have utilized full-time translators in their health departments displaying a viable solution. The second proponent speaker, delegate Isabella Mendoza, elaborates that “we are all humans” and should be given equal services. Emphasizing that getting rid of cultural barriers, language barriers, and discrimination in healthcare should be a priority. Mendoza also claims that the act can work out realistically and has a great defense. She closes off by stating how the lives of immigrants are already so hard we should attempt to lessen such hardships.

2025-03-01T11:52:01-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Duncanville YAG State

The start of the 24-25 YAG Texas state conference marks the beginning of democracy in action, as young delegates gather to ignite ideas, shape policies, and lay the foundation for tomorrow’s future.

The evening begins with hectic anticipation as scholars from across the state converge at the Kalahari Resort, ready to showcase their talents and make their voices heard. Once settled, delegates participate in the opening ceremony, pledging allegiance to the U.S. government and the Texas flag. This moment serves as a reminder of the values that define YAG, with the theme of “Democracy at Its Beginning” resonating deeply in today’s world.

Following the ceremony, delegates hear from candidates running for state governor. The speeches captivate the audience, blending heartfelt messages with humor. A few delegates from Grand Prairie reflected on the speeches, with one stating, “Personally, my vote goes to whoever made me laugh,” while others took a more analytical approach to evaluate the candidates’ assertions. The excitement continued, but not without a bit of confusion —many delegates found themselves lost while trying to locate their hotel rooms, creating a chaotic, yet memorable, experience.

Later in the day, the ballroom fills with relief as delegates return for dinner at 5 p.m. Many have been awake since 5 a.m. and haven’t had much to eat during their travels to Austin.The sight of food brings an instant wave of energy to the room. On the menu: macaroni and cheese, pulled chicken, and popcorn chicken, accompanied by a variety of condiments. With so many options, delegates only needed to decide what to choose. Afterward, the evening is free for exploration. Many delegates head to the Tom Foolery arcade or take in the sights, as it’s the first YAG experience for many of them.

2025-03-01T11:15:50-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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My First Year at YAG State

When I first arrived at the Kalahari Resort for the Texas Youth and Government (YAG) State Conference, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had spent weeks preparing as a first-year media delegate, learning how to cover government meetings, write articles, and conduct interviews. But I quickly realized that my first assignment had to be more than just presenting facts-I wanted to capture the real feeling of YAG.

As I’m sitting in my hotel room typing this, my roommate is working on her homework, and it’s a moment that shows what this conference is all about. I like being surrounded by people who clearly understand what’s important-people who prioritize bettering themselves and are committed to growing, whether it’s through government or personal development. Something is motivating about being around others who are focused and driven. From the moment I arrived, the excitement was evident. Students from all over Texas were energized, ready to spend the next three days learning, making videos, and meeting new people. Some were already calm and prepared to dive in, while others, like me, were still taking everything in, trying to understand what we were about to experience.

This year’s conference is at Kalahari Resort, the perfect place for this event. The resort is massive- 1.5 million square feet, with waterslides, nice rooms, great food, and even a spa. It’s a place to attend sessions and where delegates can relax and connect outside the formal schedule. (TripAdvisor) Even though it’s only the first day, I’m already enjoying myself. There’s something about being surrounded by people here to grow, and challenge ourselves. I can see that YAG isn’t just about debates and policy-it’s about growth, confidence, and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. This year’s theme, democracy, fits perfectly as we take on roles that mirror actual government. YAG is something we experience firsthand. I’m looking forward to what comes next. (YMCATexas YG)

2025-03-01T11:03:45-06:00March 1st, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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