A Unique Perspective: Representative Tarazona’s Thoughts on Labor and Wage Laws

Written by Matthew Zaremba

There is tons of legislation each year regarding the minimum wage, and they all want to raise it, but a certain representative from Green Hill High School has different thoughts.

Representative Rykan Tarazona, one of the patrons of Red House Bill 24-4-13, disagrees with the consensus on raising the minimum wage.

This perspective seems to stem from a recent incident in a Panera Bread. “So basically, I went to Panera Bread for lunch, and they didn’t have any bread,” claimed Tarazona. “I mean, they had bread for sandwiches but nothing else.”

“Wait, so they couldn’t use the bread loaves for anything else?” I had asked.

 “I guess the employees wouldn’t cut the loaves or something.”

This prompted a question regarding if employees are performing their jobs adequately.

“We should definitely lower the minimum wage […] We should actually lower the minimum age requirement to work, too.”

“So…Child labor?” I questioned.

 “[…] We have to put it nicely.”

Terazona did not specify a specific wage or age requirement regarding the changes he is seeking.

Book Bannings in Tennessee: The Students’ Perspectives

Written by Matthew Zaremba

It’s no secret that as of recent, school boards across Tennessee have been banning, restricting, or otherwise removing access to media deemed unfit for youth. Parents in support of these bannings cry that their child is being exposed to inappropriate content at school, with support from their local governments. Specifically, books in school libraries have been the target of this moral media cleansing, making students the hardest affected (or only affected, for that matter) group. Their parents are fighting for books to be removed, but what do students themselves think?

The Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 requires that every public school library in TN make public their list of materials, and have them reviewed periodically in order to ensure they match the maturity levels of the student body. This legislation faced major backlash from students after being passed, and three students attending YIG have some strong opinions.

Sponsors of Blue Senate Bill 24-1-4, “An Act to Repeal the Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 in Public Middle and High Schools,” Henely Robertson, Marley Harper, and Lily Lawson made clear their thoughts on book bannings in Tennessee.

Pictured above are Senators Harper, Robertson, and Lawson, Sponsors of Blue Senate Bill 24-1-4

In response to my question about the importance of repealing the act, Senator Harper stated “This is how children are able to express themselves and be able to read and get knowledge of what they want to learn, not just what their parents want them to learn.”

On the importance of different viewpoints in children’s media, Senator Robertson said “We think it is important to create well-rounded children by providing them with a variety of perspectives in their media.”

All three senators were in agreement that the repealing of the act would likely result in severe backlash from parents of students. “I think a lot of parents would like to be able to censor what their children read, but we think it’s important that despite this negative reaction, kids are still exposed to many different viewpoints and not just their parent’s perspective,” said Senator Robertson.

“One parent not wanting their child to read a book shouldn’t prevent every child from reading that book.”

Senator Lily Lawson

The three also mentioned how prevalent bannings have been in Tennessee recently, even citing that their school library at Signal Mountain High School has been subject to banned books.

Children are at the center of society because they are the future. If the children of today cannot learn about the world around them, how can we expect them to create a better world for themselves? It is obvious that most students are heavily opposed to the censorship in their media, and that these students recognize how it is hindering them. The fight against book banning in schools is just beginning, but the students are ready for it.

Run-Off Elections: How They Work

Created by Abigail Aronin and Erin Keating

Introduction to YIG

Created by Zion Anderson

Press Breaks Down the 2025 Governer Candidate Platforms

Written by Jaclyn Owens, Adriana Guevart, and Savannah Greenshaw

Brooke Wilson 

Brooke Wilson is a junior at Sale Creek High School and running to be the YIG 2025 governor! Her platform points are: 

• More funding for public schools; 
• More access to healthcare in rural facilities; 
• And focus on the opioid crisis in Tennessee. 

Brooke explains her first point about more funding for public schools by saying, “Currently Tennessee is in a really bad bracket for spending. I go to a very small public school, and it hurts to know that my education is being hindered by the fact that we are not putting enough money into our educational systems. I have seen the impact that it has on my school and I want to do everything that I can to make it to where students in Tennessee can have a better future because of the access to academic resources we can provide.” 

Her point about more access to healthcare in rural facilities is very important to her as it hits close to home. She stated that “93% of Tennessee is rural and I am from a rural area myself.” Brooke continued, “Tennessee is ranked second right now for the most rural hospital closures since 2005 and that is just a sad fact to look at. To me, it is just really sad and disheartening to know that our citizens don’t have access to healthcare because of where they live. I think it’s really important to make sure that the health of our citizens is prioritized especially after the recent pandemic. It’s important to know that they can reach out to people and use facilities that our state has to offer.” 

Brooke’s third point about the opioid crisis in Tennessee is a very pressing issue she’s worried about as she says, “Right now Tennessee is ranked second for prescription drug abuse in the country and opioid deaths. In 2022, we lost almost 4,000 people due to opioid overdoses and that is just a real sad fact to look at.” Furthermore, Brooke said, “The Tennessee government defines this as epidemic level deaths and I think as a state that is something we just really need to work on especially just to better our state’s health.” Brooke shows how personal it is by saying, “important to me mainly because knowing that a lot of these cases are kids my age makes me want to make sure the youth of Tennessee is protected as well as the can be.” 

Uma Sood

Uma Sood is a junior at Central Magnet High School and is running to be the YIG 2025 governor! Her platform includes: 

• Sustainable infrastructure;
• Supplying teachers with the resources needed to help disadvantaged students;
• And addressing the nursing and healthcare crisis.

In her first point, Uma discusses the necessity to “reduce the carbon footprint” with sustainable infrastructure. With the rate at which Tennessee is currently growing, it is crucial to keep a focus on green infrastructure for a better, cleaner state. In addition, she emphasized the need for infrastructure in our schools. She added that “Tennessee schools alone need 5.8 billion dollars worth of infrastructure to keep up with the national average.” With a number like that, it’s no surprise that Uma would want to focus on infrastructure in her platform. 

In her second platform, Uma focused on supplying teachers with the resources they need to help each student without needing to use their own money. Currently, teachers use their hard-earned money to pay for resources for their students. Uma hopes to change that by “providing teachers with better resources so they can focus on their students without expending their personal resources.” If teachers don’t have to spend time trying to find ways to supply their students with the resources needed, then they can put their energy into solely educating their students. 

Finally, Uma hopes to address the nursing shortage and healthcare crisis in Tennessee. She explained that “approximately 92.6% of Tennessee counties don’t have access to health care professionals”. This is a shocking number, to say the least. Professional healthcare is a necessity for every person in Tennessee and Uma hopes to fix this issue as governor. 

Simon Lewis

Simon Lewis is a junior at Signal Mountain High School and is running to be the YIG 2025 governor! His three main platform points are: 

• Food insecurity; 
• Improving voter turnout; 
• And focus on quality education. 

Simon explains in his first point that he would make sure that “Tennesseans remain well fed.” Currently, in Tennessee, 1 in 9 people face hunger, and 1 in 8 children face hunger. Simon emphasizes that food inflation has increased drastically in recent years. The price of eggs has increased 250% in the last four years. He plans to address this issue by providing all Tennessee students with free breakfast and lunch. He also plans to permanently end the state sales tax on essential food items, and partner with local food banks and non-profit organizations to ensure the hungry are being fed. 

Simon’s second point is enabling more Tennesseans to vote by increasing voter access. He says Tennessee ranked number 44th in the nation for voter turnout in the 2020 election. He says there are two main approaches to solving this issue. The first is spreading awareness about voting, and its importance to the United States’ democratic process. If citizens understand why their vote is significant, they will be more inclined to vote. The second approach is reforming Tennessee’s voter laws and access to the polls. This includes providing same-day voter registration, allowing no-excuse absentee/mail-in voting, and restoring ex-felons rights to vote. He believes by taking these measures, he can drastically improve voter turnout in Tennessee. 

Simon’s final point is improving public education in Tennessee. He says some current issues with our education system are teachers being underpaid, schools being underfunded, books being banned in libraries, and students being defined by a single test score. Tennessee has one of the lowest rankings in the nation in every aspect of our public education system, and Simon has a plan to improve this. He plans to make a difference by repealing Tennessee’s third-grade retention law, which states that a third-grade student determined not to be proficient in English language arts may not advance to fourth grade. Simon stresses that this law puts too much emphasis on test scores, and some students may have other strengths. It is unfair to hold back students based on one test grade. He urges to stop unnecessary censorship in school libraries. He also plans on putting money back into public education, rather than spending it on school vouchers and overall increasing funding for school facilities and employees in Tennessee. 

Sophie Bugg

Sophie Bugg is a junior at Green Hill High School and is running to be the 2025 YIG Governor! Her platform is: 

• Youth sports involvement; 
• Supporting and serving local homeless encampments;
• And providing severe weather and disaster relief for those in need.

In her first platform, she addresses youth sports involvement. Like many of us, Sophie has been involved in sports since she was a kid. She explained that she “genuinely believes it helps develop both teamwork and individual life skills”. This is why it’s astonishing that there are so many children in Tennessee who want to play sports but can’t because of financial issues. Sophie hopes to address this by emphasizing volunteer programs like the YMCA so that every child can have the opportunity to play the sport they love. 

Sophie also wants to support local homeless shelter encampments. “Currently,” she said, “Tennessee has the 6th largest homeless population in the country, yet encampments get shut down every day.” This is especially concerning during the wintertime because, without the proper shelter and supplies, our homeless population is left defenseless against the winter storms. Sophie hopes to provide these encampments with the necessary resources to support the homeless population and keep the encampments open. 

Finally, Tennessee is a frequent sufferer of severe weather. She plans to address this issue by providing disaster relief to those who require aid and recovery. Just this past year in 2023 40 tornadoes struck Tennessee. This left Tennessee destroyed with miles of damage. Sophie is especially concerned for those who are disabled, elderly, or unable to recover without aid. Her solution to the issue is to provide more aid to those who need it and to encourage others to help a neighbor in need. 

Avery Gill

Avery Gill is a junior at Lebanon High School and is running to be the 2025 YIG Governor! Her platform is: 

• Supporting survivors of domestic violence;
• Education reform;
• And reforming firearm policies. 

In Avery’s first platform, she wants to support survivors of domestic abuse. In her research, she discovered that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some sort of domestic violence. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and the effects can alter someone for a lifetime. She believes the best way to solve this is to “improve the systems and infrastructure necessary to support survivors.” 

Avery’s second part of her platform is helping the community through education reform. Tennessee ranks number 33th out of 50 states in public education. She plans to address the issues of teacher vacancies, state testing, book banning, and security. She wants to grant students in Tennessee the right to a safe, comprehensive, and unbiased education to “pave the way for a better future.” Students are the future, and Avery plans to keep her focus on them as governor. 

The final part of Avery’s platform is reforming firearm policies. Avery noted that “gun violence deeply affects communities all around the state and country”. Especially in Tennessee, gun violence has become a pressing issue. Avery plans to address these issues by reforming legislation. Some examples of these types of legislation are background checks, reg flag laws, and patching dangerous loopholes. 

A Dynamic Friendship: Govcab and Lobbyists’ Teamwork On Dynamic Legislation

Written by Matthew Zaremba

Being that most of YIG is composed of the legislative component, many delegates don’t know what the Governor’s Cabinet and Lobbyists actually do. Today, the Govcab and Lobbyist components held a joint meeting in which five groups of Govcab members presented their own unique pieces of dynamic legislation to the Lobbyists. Members of Govcab serve as Commissioners where they each oversee a specific department, such as the environmental department, the corrections department, and the education department. One of the functions of the Govcab is to write Dynamic Legislation to address issues that may not be present in the bill book. They will write a piece of legislation, which they then present to Govcab, just as legislative teams present to their chairs/delegation.

The process is really quite similar to the process of presenting legislation in the House or Senate. You present, you’re asked questions, and then the overseer of the specific committee you wrote legislation on chooses if they would like to move forward with your legislation. If they are interested, they will aid you in editing and finalizing your legislation before it moves forward to be presented in the House and Senate.
Topics of discussion at today’s meeting included a job program for recently released prisoners, a reduction in the amount of low-level radioactive waste being improperly disposed of in Tennessee, implementing more health checks for commercial businesses, creating a set handbook of rights available to persons with intellectual disabilities, and raising the tax on tobacco products.

A team of presenting to the Lobbyists

The teamwork exhibited between these two components is impressive, and their anticipation to present their legislation to the House and Senate is obvious and overwhelming.

The YIG Fashion ABCs

Written by Willa Smith and Angelina Taramona

At our favorite acronymic conference, first impressions can be a big deal, so how you dress can be a great first move. At each conference, we see many of the same YIG staples, from navy blazers to black heels; however, time after time we notice some fun new trends emerge. For the 2024 Capitol Conference, we felt as if the best way to display this year’s YIG fashion week was through an elementary school classic, the ABCs. From accessories to umbrellas, every delegate finds unique ways to bring a special touch to the required business attire.

The Capitol Conference classics are still popular this year, with plenty of navy blue blazers, high-heeled shoes, and Doc Martens on display at Cordell Hull. We’re highlighting our favorite YIG x Fashion moments, starting with “A” for “accessories.” Accessories are most commonly used as a subtle way to bring your personality into a seemingly mundane outfit. One popular accessory this year is hair bows, adding a pop of color or coordinating an outfit. 

Delegates sporting hair bows in session

Of course, there was no better “B” than “blazers,” which are a classic way, of taking business attire to the next level in a wide array of colorings. Of course, we’ve seen navy, black, and white, but some delegates choose colors like pink and bright blue to really show some personality. 

Unfortunately, the city of Nashville has been pouring during these first two days, but that won’t stop some from staying dry or even stylish. So this year, “C” is for coats. We’ll all be together whatever the weather, whether it’s drizzling or just a little chilly, coats have always been a go-to backup at YIG. 

Next up, we have “D,” for the popular Doc Martens have always seemed to be a YIG staple, fitting with the business attire dress code in addition to being functional to walk along the Nashville sidewalks. The leather shoes can take a beating, yet be perfectly appropriate to wear in Cordell Hull and the Capitol. 

Delegates putting their best foot forward in Doc Martins

Going along with “A,” for “E” we noticed delegates’ earrings and how they’re worn to adorn the most important tool at YIG, our ears, for all the listening, from speeches to bills. From bows to dragonflies, earrings are one of the most versatile accessories to flaunt. 

Some call them tights, or stockings, but for “F” we’ll call them “fishnets.” Either to add warmth or just some extra flare, tights are one of the most common basics to wear under skirts, or maybe you can get creative and wear them however your heart desires. 

Unfortunately, if we were to write about all 26 fashion-forward letters, this article would be unreasonably long, so we’ll just throw out some of our favorites. For “N” we have “name tags,” because how else would we know who we are? Every year, each component has its own color, pink for the press, teal for officers, and yellow for lobbyists (among the many others). Delegates love to personalize their name tags with bows and stickers. 

Charlotte Flowers, a white senator, showing off a personalized name tag

Fitting with the trend of accessories, “R” for “rings” is another super versatile way to stand out this year. As we use our hands to take pictures or raise our placards, rings are the perfect way to mix and match every day. 

Another alphabetical YIG fashion trend is “V” for “vests”. Whether they’re worn with a skirt, pants, or over a turtleneck, vests are the perfect out-of-the-box business attire to stand out this weekend.    

Fashion is a perfect way to make a first impression this weekend, so whether you choose a navy or pink blazer or focus on earrings or bows, think about how the ABCs could be used to dress you.

The Soda Tax: Will It Be a Sweet Solution or Will It Fall Flat?

Written by Adie Norris

We all know soda is an unhealthy alternative to natural drinks like water, but what if drinking Dr. Pepper were actually discouraged by the government? Blue House delegates Adelin Glover and Julia Stone from Signal Mountain High School propose in their bill, BHB/24-1-5.
The bill, which focuses on the health hazards of consuming soda, states that “too much soda can lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, and poor blood sugar.” Glover and Stone propose a solution to this problem in the form of a tax on drinks with more than 30 grams of sugar. The tax, 1.5 cents per ounce, would go into effect on January 1st, 2025, and would be effective statewide.

Although the idea of a soda tax may seem challenging to impose over a whole state of Coke (the soda, not the drug) obsessed citizens, Glover and Stone point out that a soda tax has already been effective in some cities such as Seattle, Washington, and Boulder, Colorado. By introducing a tax on sugary drinks, these cities have seen a reduction in soda consumption and an increase in the consumption of healthier alternatives such as water and unsweetened tea. This could be promising for Tennesseans concerned about the overconsumption of sugary drinks and in opposition of the Dr. Pepper Nation. However, the proposed soda tax may not be welcomed by everyone; soda fans may feel that the tax unfairly targets their favorite drink and that they are being penalized for their personal choices. 

Would you pay the 1.5 cents per ounce just to be able to buy your favorite soda?

Meet This Year’s Keynote Speaker: Congressman Heath Shuler

Written by Addie Tenbarge

Heath Shuler, this year’s Capitol Conference Keynote speaker, served as a congressman representing North Carolina’s 11th congressional district from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure in the United States House of Representatives, Shuler gained recognition for his efforts in advocating for bipartisan cooperation and tackling issues relevant to his constituents. As a Democrat in a traditionally conservative district, Shuler navigated the political landscape with a pragmatic approach, always prioritizing his constituents. Shuler’s legislative agenda often focused on economic revitalization, job creation, and infrastructure improvements in rural communities, areas that faced unique challenges in the wake of economic shifts and globalization. While in Congress, he worked across party lines on initiatives such as broadband expansion and small business support, earning respect from colleagues on both parties for his willingness to find common ground. Despite facing criticism and challenges. In addition to his focus on economic issues, Heath Shuler also advocated for various other policy areas during his time in Congress. He supported initiatives to improve education, healthcare access, and veterans’ services, recognizing the importance of these issues to the well-being of his constituents. Shuler was also known for his efforts to protect the environment, promoting conservation measures and sustainable practices to preserve North Carolina’s natural beauty and resources. Despite facing some political challenges, including redistricting efforts that altered the boundaries of his district, Shuler remained dedicated to representing the interests of his constituents with integrity and diligence. Shuler’s time in Congress underscored his commitment to serving the people of North Carolina and his belief in the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing complex issues facing the nation. Outside of his congressional career, Heath Shuler continued to lead a dynamic and multifaceted life. Following his departure from Capitol Hill, Shuler returned to his roots in North Carolina, where he remained actively engaged in various endeavors. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Shuler ventured into the business world, leveraging his experiences and connections to pursue opportunities in real estate development and consulting. Additionally, he maintained his passion for sports, particularly football, by involving himself in coaching and mentorship roles within local communities. Shuler also dedicated time to philanthropic endeavors, supporting causes ranging from education and youth development to veterans’ affairs. His commitment to service extended beyond the political arena, reflecting a deep-seated dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Throughout his post-congressional life, Shuler continued to manifest the values of leadership, resilience, and community engagement that defined his illustrious career both on and off the field.

Get ready to hear from Congressman Heath Shuler at today’s opening session!

Why Are Teens at YIG Writing So Much Legislation About Drugs?

Written by Matthew Zaremba

Reading through this year’s bill book, a specific theme appears. Bills about mandatory drug tests for school athletes, installing vape detectors in schools, requiring a license to sell e-cigarettes, and a variety of other pieces of legislation regarding illicit substances are abundant. What has caused this sudden upturn in drug-related content? Could anti-drug campaigns directed toward teenagers be working?

Senators Rebekah Hogue and Sophia Stringfield of Central Magnet High School and sponsors of WSB/24-1-19 had their own thoughts on Tennessee’s drug problem. On why they chose this
bill topic, Senator Hogue stated that she thinks “it’s really important to
protect the children.” Hogue specifically referred to a recent incident at a Tennessee high school involving a fentanyl-laced vape that had caught their attention. Senator Springfield expressed her concerns as well, pointing to the fact that Tennessee ranks number one in the U.S. for teenage usage of e-cigarettes.

Pictured above are Rebekah Hogue and Sophia Stringfield, sponsors of WSB/24-1-19

It’s common knowledge that in the past, government-run anti-drug campaigns have been total flops. Many former students even remark that programs like D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) made them more likely to do drugs. Former students who were subject to these government programs agree across the board that these anti-drug programs were all failures and a waste of tax money. So what about current students? Current junior and candidate for governor Sophie Bugg from Green Hill High School had some comments on a school-run drug prevention program at Green Hill. “While I do agree with the general message, it comes across as very fearmongery[…]. I do think there’s a better way to go about this. It’s like, extreme.” The program’s primary method of prevention is through advertisements posted throughout the school that warn of the effects caused by vaping. The posters feature a message saying verbatim: Vaping = Addiction; Addiction = Slavery. In response to a question on the effectiveness of said program, Bugg stated, “I’m going to be honest. People who vape aren’t going to stop because they saw a poster. From the general consensus that I’ve heard, everyone agrees with my train of thought[…]. Comparing a vape to slavery is a big jump.”

So, there may not be one root cause of this uptick, but the action being taken by these delegates shouldn’t be shunned. Teens today are concerned about substance abuse, so something is working.