Senator Pileggi's 2008 Student Leadership Forum

On Friday, April 25, 2008, I hosted my fifth annual Student Leadership Forum: "Student Guide to State Government - A Closer Look."

This year's forum featured a new format as student played the role of "Senators for a Day." The new format allowed students to experience the legislative process first-hand as they played the role of a State Senator in both mock legislative hearings and a mock legislative session.

Students selected from one of five possible committees: Communications and Technology, Education, Judiciary, Public Health and Welfare, and Transportation.

In each of these committees, students discussed, drafted and amended two pieces of legislation. The students had the opportunity to pass the bill as written, amend the bill or table the bill. Legislative staff and lobbyists were assigned to each committee to guide the students through the committee process and assist them where needed.

After the committee hearings, students participated in a mock legislative session. During this session, students debated and ultimately voted on all the legislation approved by the various committees.

The event was an overwhelming success, and my staff and I look forward to next year's event.


Senator Pileggi welcomed students to Widener University in Chester and explained the format of the program.


J. Andrew "Drew" Crompton, Chief Counsel for President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati explained the Legislative Process to the students. Mr. Crompton used a simulation exercise to show the students how lobbyists and special interests can affect legislation.




During the Committee Hearings, students discussed, drafted and amended two pieces of legislation.




During the mock legislative session, students debated and voted on legislation drafted by the various committees. Committee chairmen and bill sponsors presented their legislation to the Senate for debate and a final vote.