Elgin legislator challenges kids to write bill

State Rep. Keith Farnham (D-Elgin) announced recently that he will sponsor a Draft-a-Bill contest for participation by eighth-graders from area middle schools.

The Draft-a-Bill contest gives local middle school students the opportunity to think critically and learn about the legislative process. Each student or group of students must submit their ideas for a bill, a clear statement of the legislative idea, background facts and data and at least three supporting statements. The bill must concern one of the following categories: education, health care, environment and renewable energy, economic development, veterans' affairs or public safety.

All submissions must be made by Jan. 8 for consideration. Farnham's education advisory committee will select the winning idea. The winner of the contest will receive a certificate of recognition from the House of Representatives. In addition, the winning submission will be further reviewed to determine if it is feasible to become law.

For details about the contest, call (847) 841-7130 or e-mail krfarnham@gmail.com. Farnham's office is at 216 Prairie St., Suite 1, Elgin.