Newsroom

Today in Charlottesville the Sorensen Institute's College Leaders Program Class of 2009 celebrates its graduation at a special ceremony with family and friends. The board members, alumni, and staff at Sorensen are very proud to welcome each of you to the Sorensen family. Congratulations!

College Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 26—Thursday, June 25, 2009
Reported by: Benjamin Soltoff, James Madison University

"Chaos in the House"
As chairman of the fictional Appropriations and Finance Committee for the House of Delegates, I had the pleasure of presiding over House negotiations in the CLP’s annual Budget Game. Designed to mimic the challenges legislators face when attempting to approve a budget, this year’s session came very close to mimicking the actual process. Facing a $1 billion dollar budget shortfall, the class was split into the two houses of the legislature to debate and prepare a budget proposal. Discussion proceeded amicably during the first hour, but descended into chaos during discussion about budget reductions and tax increases. The session ran over while accounting errors were fixed and a subsequent conference committee meeting with our Senate counterparts was convened to reconcile our different budgets. Parts of this process proved most contentious, with the delegates being accused of unfairly burdening high-income earners, while one delegate accused the senators of being “immoral” for targeting education and low-income individuals for spending cuts (the veracity of this statement is questionable). Eventually we managed to approve a budget that provided for modest personal income and corporate taxes to offset declining revenues, while slashing almost $1 billion dollars from programs and funding few new programs or initiatives. Some lessons I learned while “presiding” over the debate:

· Come in with a game plan. Most of us received the governor’s proposals the night before, but did not plan how we would pursue a balanced budget. When we began discussing various options, there were no overarching goals that we could use as a framework to determine where cuts could be made. The Senate did a much better job of identifying key parts of the government that needed funding and worked their proposal around these goals. The House of Delegates wasted 4 hours going over each line of the budget individually to determine if we wanted to keep or cut it. In the end, most of the assorted programs we chose to fund were left out of the final budget. Our failure to identify our priorities caused our budget to be ripped to shreds.
· Discussion is good, to a point. Everybody has an opinion on issues, and while it is good to talk them out, especially with those who have differing views, a time comes where you just need to take a vote and move on. Most deals made in the General Assembly (and any parliament) are made behind-the-scenes, in one-on-one discussions between legislators from both parties. Rarely are opinions changed during committee meetings because a legislator is won over by the arguments from another legislator. After spending two hours on proposed spending increases, we still needed to address spending cuts and possible tax increases. Getting bogged down in discussion caused us to rush through proposals at the end and short-changed some worthy ideas simply because they were last on the list. Make a decision, and move on.
· Always bring a gavel. If you have to run a committee of any kind, make sure the chairman has the authority and ability to control the flow of events. I had a very difficult time controlling the flow of discussion because people started shouting their opinions on topics without first being recognized to speak. Organized debate and discussion is always preferable to mob rule. Even simple things such as the use of a gavel enhance the group’s ability to proceed with its charges in an efficient and orderly manner. You may not achieve your personal goals, but at least you will make sure something is achieved.

—Benjamin Soltoff, James Madison University

Two members of the College Leaders Program Class of 2009 were guests this afternoon on "Charlottesville—Right Now!" on NewsRadio 1070 WINA. Check it out!

College Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 25—Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Reported by: Trent Armitage, Longwood University

Today was the last day of actual class for the Sorensen Program. This ended the section of class entitled "The Thoughtful Citizen." I would like to thank Professor Bragaw of Sweetbriar for his insight into how policy is made here in Virginia. It was great learning all of the different ways policy is developed and introduced. On our last day we discussed an article about civic engagement and how important it is for our generation. I felt that it was a great way to summarize what a Thoughtful Citizen is all about.
    We also did mock radio interviews with Coy Barefoot. He tested us on how we would respond to questions about our policy topics. All the groups did well, but Coy gave some good constructive criticism. He clearly emphasized how important media skills will be in getting legislation passed. It was great to get some pointers on such an important political skill.
    At the end of the day we heard from two recent Sorensen grads about what life after Sorensen is all about. They talked about the alumni network, job opportunities, public service, lobbying and a host of other issues. Personally I greatly enjoyed the talk because I am currently looking for job and any advice in this tough economy is helpful.

—Trent Armitage, Longwood University

Brian Marroquin, a member of the College Leaders Program Class of 2009, was recently profiled by the PBS NewsHour program. The mini documentary focuses on Brian and his generation's zeal for public service and non-profit work.

You want to understand the new generation now coming out of college, don't miss this!

Click here to watch Brian's profile.

The Sorensen Institute is the subject of a lengthy cover story in Virginia Review Magazine online.

Click here to read the article!

College Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 24—Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Reported by: Waylin Ross, Old Dominion University

Like the morning of every “trip” day, everybody woke up rushing, being careful not to hold up the bus.  After a long night of editing our first draft, the ride there was a blur to many because they were busy sleeping. To me, there's nothing like a good long bus ride to help me catch up on some sleep. Unfortunately, the hour and a half long ride there only seemed like 20 minutes. We arrived in Richmond at 9 o’clock.
     Our first stop was the General Assembly Building, where we went through the usual shake down. The security was surprised and thankful that not one person set off the metal detector in our whole group of 30 people! The first person we met was Robert Vaughan, the staff director for the House Appropriations Committee.
     Next we headed to the Capitol, where we spoke with Steven Jones, the director of Virginia21. Virginia21 is the biggest interest group that lobbies for students, and is a grassroots organization. At this point our eyes opened as it was important for us to pay attention to the legislation that was being discussed effecting students. Followed by Steven was John Hager. Mr. Hager is the Chairman of the Sorensen State Advisory Board, and is the former Lieutenant Governor among many other achievements and titles.
     After we ate, we headed to Midlothian to the State Police Academy. We met Colonel Flaherty, and he discussed his job as the Superintendent of State Police. We then split up into two groups. The first group had a crash course of when to shoot and not shoot, being careful not to kill pedestrians with this simulation program. The second group, which I was a part of, received a crash course in high-speed driving in the police car. Yes, we actually drove the police car as fast as we wanted too. Surprisingly, I drove the car the fastest and was only one of two not to knock down any cones. We met back up with the other group to go on a quick tour of the academy and then headed home.

—Waylin Ross, Old Dominion University

College Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 23—Monday, June 22, 2009
Reported by: Jesica Turner, Christopher Newport University

Sorensen never fails to amaze me.  It’s the beginning of our last week here at UVA, and I still get shocked and excited at all the opportunities we’ve been blessed with.  After getting a day off with for Father’s Day, we all awoke this morning well rested and ready to tackle our final week in the College Leader’s Program.  The energy was topped off with the knowledge that we’d be privy to two very special guests today.
     Class this morning began with a discussion of the boundaries of responsibility between state and local government.  I found it to be a very intriguing dialogue as we walked through some of the major responsibilities of government and hashed out where the jurisdiction of state and local government lies.  What was even more interesting than the discussion however, was the dynamic of the classroom.  Originally, I would’ve expected the debate over the role of government to be fairly heated topic.  Now, after three weeks together, we were all able to crack casual jokes about issue positions while still maintaining an intelligent conversation.  I think this dynamic has truly allowed us to discuss the issues in a more open-minded atmosphere and is something I will always treasure about Sorensen.
            When we broke for lunch, it was with the knowledge that our guests would be arriving soon.  We were all very eager because we would be honored with a visit from Congressman Tom Perriello and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer!  The two came to discuss PAYGO legislation and fiscal responsibility.  Even though we had just spoken with Perriello last week in D.C., I swear some of us were all a little star struck to see him and Hoyer in our classroom, talking to us about their legislation.  Hoyer emphasized that we need to hold the government accountable for the money they are spending so that our generation doesn’t inherit all of the debt from current spending.  He reminded us that in just a few short years we will be making very important decisions about the country and we need to start practicing fiscal responsibility now.  Perriello and Hoyer closed their visit with a quote from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address:  "The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring this endeavor will light our bounty and all who serve it, and the glow from that fire can truly light the world."
     By the end of the day we were all tired and ready to take naps or even head to sleep.  But there was still one more exciting event for the day.  One of our fellow classmates, Brian Marroquin, was going to be featured on PBS NewsHour tonight!  All twenty-seven of us gathered in one living room to watch the mini-documentary and support our friend, who is doing incredible work with AmeriCorps.
     As things wound down and I reflected on the entire day, I realized that my classmates still continue to impress me everyday.  Kennedy’s quote rang true.  What we are doing here is unprecedented.  The things we will do in the future will change the world.  I can't wait to see where I will find my classmates after we graduate!
 
—Jesica Turner, Christopher Newport University

The College Leaders Program Class of 2009 has been enjoying visits with a host of speakers this summer— as their Newsroom posts reveal in great detail. A visit with two high-profile Congressmen recently made the Charlottesville Daily Progress.

Click here to read the article about Representatives Steny Hoyer and Tom Perriello's discussion with the Sorensen program regarding efforts to rein in federal spending. (photo courtesy of Daily Progress)

The College Leaders Program Class of 2009 will celebrate its graduation and a special ceremony with family and friends this coming Saturday in Charlottesville.

College Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 22—Saturday, June 20, 2009
Reported by: Tiffany Gibson, Old Dominion University

     After a long week working diligently on our group projects, the time given to sleep in Saturday morning was much appreciated. After slowly emerging from our rooms around lunch, we went to class for a guest speaker. Karen Kolber, a finance consultant from Virginia Beach, spoke with us about campaign and political financing.
     She explained the different aspects of finance, tactics, how to be confident, who to ask, and how to present yourself when having to do the difficult task. Ms. Kolber taught the class how to identify target groups within a candidate’s personal and professional life. In addition, Ms. Kolber pushed the group out of our comfort zone as the class made mock calls to “constituents” asking for financial support. Although some students found it difficult to ask someone other than their parents for money, others took to the challenge and succeeded in the exercise.
     After our lecture from Ms. Kolber, some of the class returned to the dorms for dinner, while others left for home to be with their families on Father’s day.