By Brian Zanzonico
Sixth-graders at Polk Street School in Franklin Square were given a lesson last Monday on how a bill becomes a law by Assemblymen Tom Alfano (R-Franklin Square) and Bob Barra (R-Lynbrook). The bill used as the model was signed into law by Governor George Pataki in September, prohibiting level 3 sex offenders from going onto grounds of schools and facilities that care for children. Alfano, who cosponsored the bill with Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach), said the legislation closes a loophole that barred only sex offenders whose victims were under the age of 18 from entering the property.
The children were not told about the contents of the bill, but received a crash course in Albany politics.
Alfano explained that a bill originates as an idea and is taken to the Bill Drafting Commission to be put on paper. The bill is then assigned a number and sent to committee. The Weisenberg/Alfano bill went to the Code Committee, which is in charge of determining whether bills regarding criminal penalties make it to the Assembly floor. If the committee elects to send the bill to the Assembly for vote, the 150 members determine whether it should be a law. The exact bill is also introduced in the State Senate, where similar protocol takes place. Once a bill passes the assembly and senate it goes before the governor, who either accepts or vetoes the bill. If vetoed, the assembly and senate can override it if each house receives a 2/3 vote in favor of the override.
"You have to try to convince the governor to sign the bill," Alfano said, noting that party whips are usually called on to round up votes from party members.
Students, most of whom are going to H. Frank Carey High School next year, were surprised to learn how much work goes into establishing law.
"I didn't know it was such a big process to make a little idea a law. It's amazing," said Paul Pecoralla.
"It's very interesting because I didn't know it takes so long to get it [a law] out of the Assembly," said Anthony Field.
School officials said the students earned an education that goes beyond what can be learned from a textbook.
"The experience is great for a child to have elected officials emphasize how the system works," said Franklin Square School Board President Joe Armocida. "A teacher can tell them about it, but it's not like hearing it from an official."
School board member John Randazzo said he thinks there were a few potential politicians in attendance.
""They are our future and I hope I'm alive to see them lead the next generation," he said.
Some of the students had already visited Albany through Alfano's Leaders and Mentors program, but Alfano said it was important to bring the work that goes on in the capital to them.
"There are soldiers dying in Iraq for freedom," he said. "I don't want our kids taking Democracy for granted. Teaching them about how bill becomes law is very important."
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