Scarsdale, NY – Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is sponsoring her third annual “There Ought to Be a Law” contest for students in grades six to eight throughout the 88th Assembly District.

The contest asks students to identify a problem impacting New Yorkers that could be solved by creating a new law. One first-place winner will be selected and have the opportunity to see his or her idea be introduced as a bill in the New York State Assembly and potentially become a new law. The winner will have the opportunity to join Assemblymember Paulin in Albany, where he or she will be acknowledged on the floor of the New York State Assembly and have a private tour of the State Capitol. Second and third-place winners will receive official citations from the New York State Assembly.

Jakob Ferrara from Pelham Middle School was last year’s contest winner. The then seventh-grader was awarded first place for his proposal to mandate free Pre-K for all 4-year olds in New York State, giving all students the advantage of early learning.

All contest submissions are due by April 1. The students whose proposals are selected will be notified on April 15, with the first-place winner taking a trip to Albany sometime in late May or early June.

Interested students need to write an essay (750 words maximum) detailing their proposed idea for a law. There are no limitations on what a student can recommend. Creativity is encouraged. Please contact the district office for entry forms. Students can also download the form and e-mail their entry or simply fill it out online.

Middle school principals, teachers, and staff can contact the district office for more information by either calling (914) 723-1115, or by emailing paulina@nyassembly.gov. Any inquiries or submissions should be directed to Lisa Hofflich.