By Tom Flanigan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-972933.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Not many folks were aware of it, but the Florida Legislature was back in Tallahassee the first few days of June. Tom Flanigan reports it wasn't the REAL legislature, but around a hundred college and university students who were determined to make the experience as close to real life as possible.
Lawmaking activity at the Florida Capitol did NOT end with the close of the regular legislative session in the pre-dawn hours of May seventh. Less than a month after that, the Senate floor was again packed with lawmakers and the sound of bills being debated.
"Will the secretary now read Bill Number Nineteen for the second time only by title, noting the changes made in committee?" (secretary) "Senate Bill Nineteen: Juvenile Sexual Offender Registration Act. An act related to sex offender registration for minors."
But this time around, the senate president isn't Mike Haridopolos, but Tyler Cash; a student at Pasco-Hernando Community College. In fact, all of the lawmakers, as well as the lobbyists and members of the Capitol Press Corps, are Florida college and university students. They're taking part in the Second Annual Florida Model Legislature. Program Director Doug Ryan welcomed the students to Tallahassee at the start of their three-day session.
"You're here to learn that insider knowledge of how our process of state government works. You're here to learn an understanding of how your community, your county, your state and national governments work. That's very important. We are here to talk about the state legislative process. We'll talk a little federal, because that spills over. But we're here to understand the entire state and local government."
Of course, no state government is complete without a governor. This year's is University of Florida student John Knotts. As with the real thing, the mock session opened with his state-of-the-state speech. Governor Knotts shared his legislative priorities and got in some not-so-subtle lobbying.
"There are a lot of schools out there that are teaching just the FCAT and I believe it's a failed system and needs to be replaced. Right now, there are two bills in the senate right now. There's Senate Bill 10 and Senate Bill 17. They are both addressing that issue and are both worthy to look at immediately, in my opinion."
Later, Governor Knotts held a mock news conference just outside the actual governor's office. He said he wouldn't seek a second term and raised eyebrows by endorsing a candidate from the other party. The controversy ramped up even more following this exchange about the endorsement with Press Corps Editor-in-Chief April Parsons. She hails from the University of South Florida in real life.
"We hear the propaganda and the political jargon all the time. Is there anything specific you can tell us about his economical views on life that you " (Knott cuts her off) "I really don't like your tone. I'm sorry. Remember you are speaking to the governor of the State of Florida. Thank you. Next question."
Of course, the Knott meltdown topped the story lineup in the online newspaper the junior journalists cranked out each day of session. Meanwhile, up on the Capitol's fourth floor, hordes of make believe lobbyists lurked outside the Senate chamber, just as they do during an actual session. One of them was Jennifer Weiser from Orlando's Troy University.
"I am pushing for the SB22 needle exchange program. That's a bill that I drafted myself, sponsored by Senator Pemberton."
How do the lobbyists persuade lawmakers to see bills their way? Chief Lobbyist Shawna Donnelly from Broward College says there are any number of persuasive techniques.
"You know, we do a little bit of bartering with the other senators if they have specific bills that they want pushed through we'll help them lobby it to get what we're after. Or, we'll actually just go ahead and send a certain envelope with certain pictures in it that they really do not want sent."
And indeed the Model Legislature did have some material ripe for blackmail. Rumors abounded of a juicy affair underway between two high-ranking lawmakers. That human drama dimension fascinates Brigit Wagner. She'll be majoring in radio and TV at the University of Central Florida. That follows a stint with the online edition of the Star-Banner in her hometown of Ocala.
"When I did entertainment I didn't like it as much as doing politics. I know that sounds really weird but I would much rather talk about the senate chambers that Britney Spears any day, so we'll see. I dunno."
Leanna Marquis from the College of Central Florida served as the governor's chief of staff. She loved the chance to use and sharpen her natural skill set.
"It's exciting. I'm more of an organizational person. I like keeping him on track and scheduling appointments for him so it's definitely a position that caters to kind of what I like doing."
Santa Fe Community College's Gerard Williams was looking even farther ahead. He sees his role as a Model Legislature Senator as a possible career path.
"I've really gained a true understanding of how the process here in our state government actually works. And I think I was kind of on the fence about it if I honestly wanted to get into state politics and I think after this experience just at least from what I've seen, I think it would really be something I could consider."
Given the enthusiasm, seriousness and sheer smarts with which the nearly one-hundred students took the job of running state government during the Model Legislature exercise, we can only hope Senator Williams isn't the only one who feels that way.