As of late I have been treated to many interesting arguments regarding bills. The categories range from everything from border security laws, small business policies, and even Arizona observatory laws. However there has been one topic that thus far has not been mentioned in debate, abortion. Well, the silence was broken last Thursday.
Although I'm not entirely sure what the actual bill the Senators were debating did, I do know that the core argument was either pro-choice or pro-life. The topic involving abortion is one that is heavily controversial in our society, and it's no different here. The majority of pro-life supporters are the the Republican majority, while pro-choice is naturally in the Democrat minority. Though the bill up for vote debate had very little do do with abortion regulation in Arizona, it didn't stop the Senators from voicing their opinions on the entire matter. Most arguments from the Republican side consisted of points regarding "the sanctity of life" and religion. The Democrats relied more on the individual rights and choices of the women who were making this difficult choice.
I tend to lean more towards a woman's right to choose, but then again its still really not by place to say. What I do know is that this topic has been gaining heat for many years and I believe it's becoming a very intense argument, from a political standpoint as well as a societal one.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Interesting politics
As of late, there has been a heavily debated bill here at the Senate regarding Billboards in Northern Arizona. Basically, billboard companies want the freedom to put billboards wherever they want while astronomers don't want billboards near their renown observatory. Supposedly the billboard light interferes with the ability to see the stars, and the observatory near Flagstaff is one of the best in the world.
Over the last week this bill has been a hot button issue, with most Democrats wanting to ban billboards within a 75 mile radius of the observatory while Republicans see no reason to do so. it was first considered much more of a "liberal issue" but around the office everyone seems to have a different opinion. During floor session, the argument went on for at least 30 minutes. It was said that the company's lobbyists negotiated to turn off all billboards between 11:00pm til the early morning. Democrats claim that there was no such mention of an agreement.
Personally, I side with the observatory. It's one of the leading facilities in the world that generates millions of dollars for the Arizona economy. Putting up a lot of billboards would completely interfere with the clearness of the sky and the ability to see stars and planets clearly. Earlier the Pages actually had an interesting discussion regarding the matter. Like I always say, there's never a dull moment here at the Senate.
Over the last week this bill has been a hot button issue, with most Democrats wanting to ban billboards within a 75 mile radius of the observatory while Republicans see no reason to do so. it was first considered much more of a "liberal issue" but around the office everyone seems to have a different opinion. During floor session, the argument went on for at least 30 minutes. It was said that the company's lobbyists negotiated to turn off all billboards between 11:00pm til the early morning. Democrats claim that there was no such mention of an agreement.
Personally, I side with the observatory. It's one of the leading facilities in the world that generates millions of dollars for the Arizona economy. Putting up a lot of billboards would completely interfere with the clearness of the sky and the ability to see stars and planets clearly. Earlier the Pages actually had an interesting discussion regarding the matter. Like I always say, there's never a dull moment here at the Senate.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Office interactions
One thing I've found interesting since I began working for the Senate is the amount of professionalism amongst Senators. For the longest time a presumed ideal that politics had to be dirty or unforgiving, everything based off of majority power and party beliefs. To a degree this is true, however it's not always the case. Across the office there is mutual respect between all of the Senators.
What I mean is that regardless of party affiliation or political ideology, each one of the Senators are very diplomatic and friendly towards each other, at least that's the way it seems on the surface. They may argue or disagree on a bill, get into a heated debate on the Floor, but there is still a sense of respect and general friendliness. Democrats and Republicans alike frequently talk and joke around with each other when they see one another and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them hung out, outside of the work place.
It's good to see things like this because it displays that the political process isn't always dreary and hopeless, and if you don't get your way, work doesn't have to become hell. I see that these people, Senators as well as the few representatives I've met, genuinely care about implementing policies for the good of Arizona regardless of party affiliation. It's something every Senator strives for and it's truly a great thing. That may not be the case everywhere but in this state I find it refreshing that despite core beliefs and values, everyone gets along and respects the opinions of one another.
What I mean is that regardless of party affiliation or political ideology, each one of the Senators are very diplomatic and friendly towards each other, at least that's the way it seems on the surface. They may argue or disagree on a bill, get into a heated debate on the Floor, but there is still a sense of respect and general friendliness. Democrats and Republicans alike frequently talk and joke around with each other when they see one another and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them hung out, outside of the work place.
It's good to see things like this because it displays that the political process isn't always dreary and hopeless, and if you don't get your way, work doesn't have to become hell. I see that these people, Senators as well as the few representatives I've met, genuinely care about implementing policies for the good of Arizona regardless of party affiliation. It's something every Senator strives for and it's truly a great thing. That may not be the case everywhere but in this state I find it refreshing that despite core beliefs and values, everyone gets along and respects the opinions of one another.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Career event - Teach For America
Yesterday I attended a career service event sponsored by Teach For America. After the meeting I must say, I am intrigued. The event was hosted by Kelley Stewart who's specialty is recruiting and spreading the word about the organization. For those of you who don't know, Teach For America is an organization that hires top college graduates and places them in low income areas around the country and allows them to teach students, all of this is done in hopes of impacting students, lowering the achievement gap, and generally improving the education system.
The event started out with "what it takes to be successful". Hard work, leadership, determination, and most importantly a drive to help improve education and the lives of students. It sounded like something I could definitely get on board with. Next, Kelley talked about the various locations around the United States where Teach For America operates. The range was immense, from L.A., Phoenix, Chicago, New Orleans, New York and Philadelphia, there are tons of cities that you could try to make a difference in.
I also found out that working for TFA is just like having a job as a teacher, same pay and everything. Starting salary for a TFA corps member is between 31,000 to 40,000. It's not the highest salary admittedly, but it's great for someone who just got their degree and is looking to start a job. Also, a corps member will receive all the benefits that a regular teacher would. As an added bonus, if accepted into TFA all interest on previous student loans will be covered and there are tons of opportunities to earn scholarships for grad school. This definitely got me thinking about possibly applying for TFA when I graduate.
The overall application process is somewhat simple but also important. I was told by Kelley that it's important to have a lot of professional experience and information to provide, I also need to write a strong letter of intent. If my application was chosen, then it would be followed up with a phone interview along with a written activity. If I made it past that round, then I would chose my location preferences and submit two letters of recommendation. If I so chose, I may also attend a summer program at an institute that would get me properly prepared for work in the corps.
Before the event was over I talked with Kelley. I told her that I was a public policy major and I wanted to know if working for TFA would help me in any way in terms of my career goals. She responded enthusiastically that it would definitely help. She responded "TFA is great for setting up future leaders and it could be very beneficial for me". if I so chose, I could see the problems with the education system from the inside, and aspire for change. TFA would also provide me with valuable leadership skills and lifetime connections. All of these things could be very beneficial to me.
I walked away from the event feeling very enlightened. I could definitely see myself working for TFA after I graduate. It would provide me with a job and be a gateway to my future career in government. It's definitely something to consider.
The event started out with "what it takes to be successful". Hard work, leadership, determination, and most importantly a drive to help improve education and the lives of students. It sounded like something I could definitely get on board with. Next, Kelley talked about the various locations around the United States where Teach For America operates. The range was immense, from L.A., Phoenix, Chicago, New Orleans, New York and Philadelphia, there are tons of cities that you could try to make a difference in.
I also found out that working for TFA is just like having a job as a teacher, same pay and everything. Starting salary for a TFA corps member is between 31,000 to 40,000. It's not the highest salary admittedly, but it's great for someone who just got their degree and is looking to start a job. Also, a corps member will receive all the benefits that a regular teacher would. As an added bonus, if accepted into TFA all interest on previous student loans will be covered and there are tons of opportunities to earn scholarships for grad school. This definitely got me thinking about possibly applying for TFA when I graduate.
The overall application process is somewhat simple but also important. I was told by Kelley that it's important to have a lot of professional experience and information to provide, I also need to write a strong letter of intent. If my application was chosen, then it would be followed up with a phone interview along with a written activity. If I made it past that round, then I would chose my location preferences and submit two letters of recommendation. If I so chose, I may also attend a summer program at an institute that would get me properly prepared for work in the corps.
Before the event was over I talked with Kelley. I told her that I was a public policy major and I wanted to know if working for TFA would help me in any way in terms of my career goals. She responded enthusiastically that it would definitely help. She responded "TFA is great for setting up future leaders and it could be very beneficial for me". if I so chose, I could see the problems with the education system from the inside, and aspire for change. TFA would also provide me with valuable leadership skills and lifetime connections. All of these things could be very beneficial to me.
I walked away from the event feeling very enlightened. I could definitely see myself working for TFA after I graduate. It would provide me with a job and be a gateway to my future career in government. It's definitely something to consider.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Controversy at the Capital
Yesterday I was treated to a spectacle throughout the day and during Floor Session. A major hot button issue here in Arizona that's recognized throughout the United States is immigration laws. Needless to say that it's very split at the legislature, with most Republicans endorsing heavier boarder patrol while Democrats disagree, heavily. Starting early in the day, the Committee on Border Security was very heated with certain Senators just walking out because of pure frustration. On the Floor it got really intense when, during third reading of bills, a bill involving funding for extra border security came up. Basically, 500,000 dollars would be used to start a new sort of border "police" however it seems more like a border militia to me.
Democrats heavily protested this because 1) They are generally not anti-immigration and 2) It seemed like unnecessary money that could go towards a different cause all together. Being as they were in the extreme minority, it didn't make a difference and the bill was passed. It was a prime example of the political process at work, with arguments and objections lasting for a good amount of time.
I knew when I started working for the Senate that I would, somewhere along the line, be around during a border security issue. Yesterday was that day and I found it fascinating. This issue will continue to be heavily debated not just in Arizona but all over the country. A certain Senator even said this is the kind of legislation that will make people laugh at us across the nation. It sounds harsh, but it's probably the truth.
Democrats heavily protested this because 1) They are generally not anti-immigration and 2) It seemed like unnecessary money that could go towards a different cause all together. Being as they were in the extreme minority, it didn't make a difference and the bill was passed. It was a prime example of the political process at work, with arguments and objections lasting for a good amount of time.
I knew when I started working for the Senate that I would, somewhere along the line, be around during a border security issue. Yesterday was that day and I found it fascinating. This issue will continue to be heavily debated not just in Arizona but all over the country. A certain Senator even said this is the kind of legislation that will make people laugh at us across the nation. It sounds harsh, but it's probably the truth.
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