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.