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Rishin Sharma Becomes 73rd Youth Governor

The road to Youth Governor is a long and difficult journey for any candidate. There is so much preparation that goes into a campaign, and for only one candidate, the months of stress pay off. For the 2018-19 year, your victorious candidate is Rishin Sharma.

“Honestly, this is something I never would have dreamed of three years ago as I was sitting in the Gold House of Representatives as a shy, timid kid; to be here today is an absolute privilege,” says Sharma. “It’s been a crazy, long, beautiful journey. It’s had its ups, it’s had its downs, but it has led me to where I am today. I am nothing but grateful for this program and every single person I have met because I owe it all to you.”  

Governor Sharma’s sister, Siona was his original inspiration for joining the club. Sharma has always considered himself a science and math oriented person, but his sister convinced to join the club as a freshman. Looking back, Sharma has no regrets.

“I wasn’t a group discussion kind of guy; that wasn’t in my wheelhouse,” admits Sharma, “but my sister and I have a special relationship, and she knew that this was going to be something that was good for me. She forced me to come, and I thank her each day, and I love her even more for it.”

As for his inspiration for becoming Governor, Sharma looks to his dad. Sharma has many praises for his dad and is extremely thankful for giving Sharma the opportunities he has. Sharma is also thankful for his experience as Blue Speaker of the House.

“I have just had an absolute ball being Speaker of the House, and this program just inspires me to keep going again and again,” Sharma expressed.

Winning the position is one thing, but being successful in the role after is another. As Governor, Sharma has new goals and changes he is bringing to the table. He is developing an app for the program to make things more technologically oriented, and he wants to get the press involved in the other branches even more than they already are.

Sharma’s platform is focused on setting up new programs and expanding on the organization’s internet presence.

Throughout his campaign journey, there have been many memorable moments for Sharma. The personal connection Sharma is able to make with all of the delegates at the convention has been his favorite part about campaigning.

In the end, Gov. Sharma would like to thank his parents, his sister, and his cousin Arushi Subba, who is also a delegate at the convention. “They’ve done so much for me and not just in this race, but just in life in general,” said Sharma.

Gov. Sharma is also extremely grateful for his delegation, Rose E. Schneider. To him, they are his family. They provide endless support, with love that knows no boundaries. Regardless of the massive support system, Sharma owes his success to the teachings of the program. He believes that “Without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

As your 2018-19 Youth Governor, Rishin Sharma will strive to make every moment of YAG exciting, educational, and accessible to all those involved.  “If I can change just one person’s life in my term as governor, it’ll all be worth it.”

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First Bill Signing

At 9:30 in the Rotunda on Saturday, Youth Governor Colin Black signed six bills into law.  “I have been more than impressed with the debate these delegates displayed,” started Black. “I’d like to thank all the delegates for putting on the endless hours of research they've done and the passion that they and all of their peers have debated on with their legislation. ”

Governor Black first signed Gold House bill #840 (“Emergency Contraception Bill”), by Isabella White and Peter Barto. The purpose is “to ensure that sexual assault victims are receiving emergency, comprehensive medical care within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Gold House bill #944 (“Emission Testing Bill”), sponsored by Jacob Mock and John Mack, was the next to be signed. The objective is “to ensure that sexual assault victims are receiving emergency, comprehensive medical care within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Gold Senate bill #882 (“Citizens of Pennsylvania Protection Act”), sponsored by Luke Musante and Nick Sullivan, was then signed. Its intention is to increase the safety of and give legal resources to citizens in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Blue House bill #727 (“Do You Need a Needle?”), sponsored by Amanda Brown and Scott Rochman, was signed. It was written in order “to reduce death and illnesses associated with bloodborne pathogens.”

Blue Senate bill #771 (“The Quest to Protest Act”) was also signed. It was sponsored by Gianna DeVincenzo, Maureen Hartwell, and Julian Sherr. It proposes to allow public school students two days absent from school in order to allow students their rightful expression of free speech and a larger role in governmental decisions.

Blue Senate bill #761 (“Commonwealth Substance Determination Act”) was the final bill of the 10:00 am session to be signed. The bill was sponsored by David Mailman and Jackson Clark. The aim of the bill is “to ensure citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have a greater voice on the status of controlled substances within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

“It’s my job to represent the people that elected me, so this feels like I’m coming to conclusion on that promise. The laws were passed because people believe they will provide for the state of Pennsylvania. It has been my honor to participate in signing today,” Black concluded.

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Second Bill Signing

Colin Black performed a second signing ceremony at 2:00 pm on Saturday in the Rotunda. He signed three bills into law during the session. “Once again I'd like to thank all of the sponsors of the bills and all of the delegates that have been speaking so passionately on the floor. We appreciate everything you guys are doing, sponsors especially,” began Black. “We would just like to thank you for truly caring about the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and this program. It’s the people like you that make this program so important.”

Blue House bill #729 “Don’t Pray Away the Gay” by Valerie Wilmath, Jocilyn Koser, and Angie Torres was first signed. The bill was written “to keep LGBT youth from receiving harmful and/or unwanted treatments for their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Peter Barto and Kaitlyn Rager had their Gold Senate bill #450 “The Mental Health Matters Act” signed as well. Within the bill, it proposes to “educate the youth in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania about common mental health issues.” To ensure that, the bill arranges to have public middle schools in Pennsylvania include at least one mental health focuses course in their curriculum.

Gold House bill #686 “Medicaid Reform Act” by sponsors Nikolaus Schuster and Nishant Jayachandran was the last to be signed during the second session. The bill discusses “reforming the State Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 by changing the package delivery system of benefits and imposing work requirements for those who are eligible to work in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Governor Black closed the ceremony with these words: “I would like to once again thank all of the sponsors for their hard work, all of the delegates that have been debating these pieces of legislation, and all of the delegates who have attended this model legislature and making a difference in the Commonwealth.”