2008 News

March 27, 2008

Commissioner Chairman Jim Cawley Helps High-School Students “Understand The Legislative Process”
Featured Speaker at Sen. Tommy Tomlinson’s “Senator for a Day” Seminar

This morning at Bristol Township’s Bucks County Technical High School, high school students were offered a unique educational opportunity. Hosted by Pennsylvania Sen. Robert M. “Tommy” Tomlinson, the “Senator for a Day” program allowed future leaders to participate in an interactive seminar focusing on government functions and procedures.

“This day gives students an opportunity to get a glimpse of how government reacts to public policy issues by serving on a mock Senate committee, developing positions on legislation, debating issues in front of classmates and learning what it takes to get a law passed or defeated,” Sen. Tomlinson explained.

As a feature speaker of the seminar, Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jim Cawley spent 45 minutes detailing the legislative process for the young leaders. Prior to joining the commissioners’ board, Cawley served as chief of staff for Sen. Tomlinson, serving in a legislative advisory capacity while operating district offices in Harrisburg and Bucks County.

“It is always an honor and a privilege to address the future leaders of our community,” Chairman Cawley said. “Each year, nearly 5,000 pieces of legislation are introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature. A grasp of the process is an extremely valuable element in shaping leadership. I thank Sen. Tomlinson for providing this opportunity to Bucks County students.”

The seminar targeted mock bills regarding MySpace.com, underage drinking, anti-gun measures, ozone protection and universal health care, to name a few. During the afternoon session, committee chairs presented their bills to a hypothetical, full Senate session.