Rep. Joe Aresimowicz Seeking Input from Local Students About New Laws

State Representative Joe Aresimowicz, who represents Berlin and Southington in the Connecticut General Assembly, is sponsoring an essay contest for local middle school students.

Aresimowicz is asking seventh and eighth grade students from Berlin & Southington to submit essays of 250 to 500 words describing their proposal for a new law or changes to a current law.

"As a football coach I spend a lot of time with kids. Many of them have great ideas and suggestions, but too many of them don't think that they can have a voice or make a difference," Aresimowicz said.

"I hope this essay contest will help them understand that we are so fortunate to live in America where we all have a voice and can participate in our democracy."

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Official citations from the General Assembly will be presented to top entries. One student from each town will also be invited to the State Capitol for a special lunch with Rep. Aresimowicz and a private tour of the Capitol and Legislative Office Building.

The contest is open to all Southington students, including those at DePaolo Middle School, Kennedy Middle School and Southington's parochial schools.

Students should describe in 250 to 500 words their proposal for a new state law or changes to a current state law, and include their name, address and date of birth or current grade level with essay submissions. Essays should be emailed to Rep. Aresimowicz by Jan. 4, 2012 at Joe.Aresimowicz@cga.ct.gov with "Essay Contest" in the subject line.

For more information please contact Rep. Aresimowicz at Joe.Aresimowicz@cga.ct.gov or by calling (860) 371-6887.

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