Tuesday, July 12, 2011

There Oughta Be a Law Contests in PA

For many years individual state legislators and state senators in Pennsylvania have participated in what appears to be a national program called "There Oughta Be a Law," wherein constituents suggest laws to their elected representatives.

You can find national examples by googling "there oughta be a law." To find specific Pennsylvania examples add the name of the commonwealth to your search. The earliest reliable mention of it I can find is a April 7, 1998 Morning Call ("Students cited in law contest") article which mentions State Rep. Julie Harhart's annual "There oughta be a law" contest. I know other state reps held similar competitions, mostly aimed at school children.

State Senator Anthony Williams is encouraging citizens in his district and beyond to come up with good laws with his own "There Oughta Be a Law" contest.

Remember, folks, you don't have to wait for a contest, you can get in touch with your elected officials any time and let them know what you think.

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