UNIFYing FOR CHANGE Young Democrats and Teenage Republicans join forces to help pass Virginia civic engagement bill
VALERIE PAREDES REPORTER
W
hen Virginia Young Democrats Teen Caucus Chair Matthew Savage saw that FCPS had passed a civic engagement policy in 2019, he had the idea to make the policy statewide. This idea became a reality with bill HB1940, which is approved to go into effect on July 1. The bill will permit middle and high school students across Virginia to take an excused absence once a year to participate in a civic event. Savage, a junior at Marshall High School, first thought of this idea last July and reached out to his peers in the Young Democrats, who were excited and eager to help. Soon after, the Young Democrats contacted Virginia House Del. Sam Rasoul, and their conversation left the Young Democrats hopeful that they could win over lawmakers. “The Virginia Young Democrats Teen Caucus adopted a resolution calling on the General Assembly to enact this legislation,” Savage said. Even with the support of the Democrats, the bill needed Republican support to pass. The Teenage Republicans were interested in
what the bill had to offer and reached out via Twitter. “The Teenage Republicans wanted to get involved with this effort because it matters, not only to us, but also to students all over the commonwealth,” Teenage Republican Federation of Virginia Chair Brady Hillis said.
IT’S REFRESHING TO SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN GET TO WORK FOR THE PEOPLE.” - MATTHEW SAVAGE VA YOUNG DEMOCRATS TEEN CAUCUS CHAIR Once the bill was endorsed by the 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee, the Fairfax County Democratic Committee and the Democratic Party of the Virginia State Central Committee, it was time to put it into action. On Jan. 11, the Civic Engagement Bill was introduced to the House, and on Jan. 15, it was introduced to the Senate. “Working on this bill was a rewarding experience that has rebuilt my trust in democracy,” Savage said. “Despite all the hate, violence and fear-mongering that we’ve seen over the past four years, it’s refreshing to see that the government can get to work for the people.” The Young Democrats and Republicans set aside their differences to make a change and ignited a cooperative relationship by working together for a goal that benefits both parties and the overall population.
“Both Democrats and Republicans alike were advocating on behalf of this legislation. I think allowing them to see how successful it was in the Fairfax County Public School System was another benefit,” Hills said. On Jan. 22, HB1940 passed the Virginia House of Delegates with bipartisan support. “It was interesting to see that eight Republicans voted for it—it was a surprise, but a delightful one,” Savage said. Some Republican lawmakers opposed the bill on the basis that students would take advantage of the bill. “Republican legislators were completely misinformed about the bill, and, unsurprisingly, Sen. John Cosgrove downright said he didn’t even read the bill,” Savage said. Even though most Republicans opposed the bill, HB1940 passed the Senate on Feb. 17 and was signed into law by Gov. Ralph Northam on March 12. The bill received praise from members of the community. “I’m really looking forward to using my voice in our democracy due to the passing of this bill,” junior Victoria Quila said. Due to McLean’s proximity to D.C., students will get the chance to take action next school year in the epicenter of democracy and civic engagement. “I feel like this bill will be a great way for students to get more involved in politics and world issues,” junior Thalia Veizaga said. When the civic engagement bill goes into effect on July 1, it will represent progress for the state of Virginia and will pave the way for a new tomorrow for generations to come. Other states will be keeping an eye on Virginia to see the bill’s end results. “Our commonwealth is a national leader in terms of civic engagement now,” Savage said. “We are a goldfish bowl before the rest of the country.”
MAKING A CHANGE — Virginia Young Democrats Teen Caucus Chairman Matthew Savage stands proudly after working on HB140 on Jan. 28. This bill, which goes into effect July 1, will allow all students in Virginia one excused absence per year to engage in civic activism. (Photo courtesy of Page design by Ariana Elahi
Matthew Savage)
APRIL 2021 | NEWS | 7
