The 2019 CGS Federalist Party by Abbie Russman

     The Girls State Federalist Party convened on June 3 to debate and select their platforms. The party first voted citizen of Carter Aanya Agarwal as State Party Chairman and citizen of Obama Maggie Weatherwax as Vice Chairman. Citizen of Bush Layla Omari was chosen as the Secretary/Treasurer. Four citizens volunteered to be on the Artist Committee.

     Agarwal led the debate for platforms using parliamentary procedures. The first motion was a motion for 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote when they receive their driver's license. The amendment to change the pre-register age for Nebraskan policies only was not passed; neither was the motion.

     A second motion was made to prevent tobacco companies from advertising to minors. It was argued that advertising tobacco on commercials is illegal, and that companies do not directly market to teenagers. It was also deemed by another candidate as a good bill but not an influential one. This motion was tabled.

      There was a motion to pass stricter regulations on waste dumped by slaughterhouses and poultry farms in Nebraska. The question, “What would this do for companies?” was asked and debated among citizens. Delegates argued that Nebraska’s economy is based on agriculture and these industries, and these regulations could potentially harm local jobs and the economy. This topic was argued scientifically, stating that the nitrates being dumped in the water affect the pH and harm the crops. The motion was carried and became the party’s first platform.

     The next motion proposed was to fix the roads all around Nebraska, especially after the recent severe weather and flooding. An amendment was made to fix all infrastructures, not just roads. One citizen who opposed the amendment argued that taxes would be raised. A counterpoint was that the undertaking of fixing these infrastructures would create jobs. The amendment and motion were carried.

     It was motioned to build another branch of the Veterans’ Association Clinic. Citizens shared personal testimonies about family members who have to drive hours to get to the nearest clinic for its services. An amendment was made to build more than one clinic. The amendment and motion were passed.

     The next motion was made to thank the American Legion Auxiliary for hosting Girls State. An amendment was suggested for every citizen to write individual thank-you notes. This amendment and motion were carried.

     The last motion was made to increase funding for the flood relief program. An amendment was proposed to add funding for supplies for items lost in the floods. Both were passed, establishing the last platform of the Federalist Party.