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Politics

Teen intern bill gets a new life

At first it looked like the "Ought to be a Law" idea was shot down. But then came a reprieve.

By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Published March 21, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - For a moment, it looked like their bill was doomed.

The seven teens from Hillsborough County stood before a committee of lawmakers and, for the umpteenth time in two days, explained why the state should adopt legislation they've named the "High School to Business Career Enhancement Act."

House members seemed to love the idea: Every school district in Florida would adopt a program providing all students the chance to apply for paid, professional internships - 100 in each county.

But there was a problem. Its color was green.

"We've got some issues with the budget," said Rep. Rick Kriseman, R-St. Petersburg. This one could cost $6.7-million a year.

Rep. Faye Culp, R-Tampa, successfully moved to temporarily postpone the bill, spelling sure death for the legislation if the teens didn't find a solution right away.

It was a harsh reality for students in the "Ought to be a Law" program, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Lutz, and Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa. The seven who traveled to Tallahassee on Monday were among 14 who have been hammering out the legislation for months.

Bloomingdale High freshman Tomas Gacio, 14, said the discussion of finances was an eye-opener.

But before the kids could feel downtrodden, something remarkable happened.

Rep. Trey Traviesa, R-Tampa, asked the committee for 21st Century Competitiveness to reconsider the legislation.

Ambler told the committee that he and the students would work on the scope of the project to try to fix funding. Representatives approved. And the bill moves on to the next level.

"My philosophy," Ambler told the kids, "is to never give up."

[Last modified March 21, 2007, 06:08:24]