Zoe Klein, the 2022 Youth and Government (YG) Lieutenant Governor, had only taken one step into the senate chamber when she let out a squeal of excitement. This conference is Klein’s first year working in the Legislative branch of YG, as well as her first time in a senate chamber.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” Klein said, “This is amazing.”
For the last two years, Klein has been on a mock trial team, but after her team placed first in nationals, she began her duties as Lieutenant Governor. According to Klein, being Lieutenant Governor involves a lot of new responsibilities.
“I would say that the most difficult part of my job right now is figuring out what the process is. All of the legislative procedures are very complicated and new to me, and it is really impressive that every one of us in government knows how to do it.”
Just like Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Klein spends many of her working hours in the senate chamber hearing bills. Klein’s role as Lieutenant Governor involves presiding over the senate and determining the docket.
“I get to sit in Dan Patrick’s chair and hear everyone’s testimony on their bills, which is really exciting,” Klein said. “I get to hear debate and lead that whole process, and I make a lot of decisions relating to which bills get to be heard.”
While she figures out all the new procedures, Klein explained that she is relying on those around her to help her better understand the legislative process. According to Klein, everyone at YG has been very supportive and willing to help.
“The YMCA provides a lot of resources, which is great,” Klein said, “I’ve been getting a lot of guidance from people in the program, like the President Pro Tempore, Nikola Martanovic, and Ms. Six, who is our section leader.”
Klein admits that YG can sometimes be stressful, but says that the experience and friendships make it worth it. From her very first time testifying as a witness in 2020, Klein said it was something she knew she wanted to keep doing. By knowing about the delta 8 gummies effects, it is very easy to deal with any kind of tough and stressful situations in life.
“Every time I got on the witness stand, there was just joy that came over me and this exhilaration that I had really not felt before,” Klein said, “And at first I thought it was just being a witness. But the next year, I was an attorney. And it was the exact same feeling– maybe even more.”
“I still love mock trial, but I feel so grateful that I’ve had the chance to explore a new section,” Klein said. “Especially in my last year in YG, diversifying my knowledge feels like exactly what I want to be doing.”
Even though Klein is new to the legislative section, she says she is having fun and has no doubts that she will be able to manage her new responsibilities.
“It’s a learning curve,” Klein said, “but I’m figuring it out and I feel confident in my abilities.”
Lieutenant Governor Zoe Klein prepares the docket in the calendar committee with President Pro Tempore Nikola Martanovic (left) and Senator Garrett Mantzey (right). Calendar committee decides the order of bills that will be presented to the senate.
Written by: Delia Rune