Legislators of Tomorrow at the University of Virginia

01/09/2014

MENTAL HEALTH BILL PROPOSED BY UVA STUDENTS SECURES BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) Introduces HB 206, Del. Joseph Yost (R-12) Signs on as Co-Patron

Legislation to address mental health issues at public colleges in Virginia is securing bipartisan support in the Virginia House of Delegates. House Bill 206, drafted by college students and introduced by Delegate Patrick Hope (D-47), helps identify symptoms of depression earlier, makes it easier for students to find mental health resources at their school, and educates students on both the services available to them and how to identify and report cases of depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior.

“Mental illness often manifests itself during the college years,” says Delegate Hope, “and Virginia’s colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to provide the necessary education that could ultimately lead to life saving treatment.” Delegate Hope, the Chief Patron of HB 206 and a Democrat, also has the support of Republican Delegate Joseph Yost (D-12), who represents part of Virginia Tech and has since signed on as a Co-Patron.

The legislation was crafted by a new student organization at the University of Virginia, Legislators of Tomorrow (LoT), a bipartisan organization created to foster learning and civic engagement through participation in the legislative process. Thirteen students, Democrats and Republicans, joined forces to author a mental health bill to aid fellow students affected by depression. Their determination to craft meaningful mental health legislation was strengthened after the family tragedy endured by Senator Creigh Deeds, whose late college-aged son suffered from mental illness.

“I’ve long believed that the issues that unite us are far greater than those that divide us,” said Democrat and LoT co-President Jarrod Nagurka, “and it’s heartening to see Democrats and Republicans, both at the University of Virginia and in the House of Delegates, recognize this and come together to ensure students are taking full advantage of the mental health resources available to them across the Commonwealth.”

Patrick MacDonnell, a Republican and co-President of LoT, agrees and asserts that HB 206, “appeals to the humanity and common sense of individuals on both sides of the aisle.” The bill, MacDonnell says, is “substantive action” that will combat depression among college students.

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Contact: Jarrod Nagurka FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cell Phone: 703.473.5097 January 9, 2014
Email: [email protected]

04/30/2013

Meeting tonight at 7pm in Clark G054.

04/18/2013

Just finished all of the interviews-- wow! Really impressed by everyone who came out-- Mr. Jefferson would be proud! We'll be in touch with everyone within the next couple of days. Thanks.

04/15/2013

Now that the application deadline has passed, we'll be contacting everyone who applied shortly. Thank you for your patience-- we look forward to being in touch!

04/14/2013

Applications are due at midnight tonight. Make sure to get them in!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y3BPK5G

04/13/2013

Applications are due tomorrow (Sunday) at midnight. Apply here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y3BPK5G

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04/07/2013

Thanks to everyone who's submitted an application online thus far. We'll be contacting those who have submitted applications about setting up a time to meet shortly. If you haven't yet applied, there's still time!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y3BPK5G

03/29/2013

Legislators of Tomorrow (LoT) is a new organization on Grounds. Founded by two students eager to engage in governance, LoT was created to foster learning and civic engagement through participation in the legislative process. Members shall work together throughout the course of the spring and fall semesters to form, promote, and testify in Richmond on behalf of a piece of nonpartisan legislation created with the intent to better the lives of students and citizens across the Commonwealth.

LoT seeks driven students with an interest in the legislative process and a desire to make his/her community a better place. Applicants must be able to work well with a team, have a strong work ethic, and possess good communication skills.

If you’re interested in interviewing for a position on the team, or would like more information, please contact Jarrod Nagurka at [email protected]. The deadline to schedule an interview is Sunday, April 14 at midnight. We look forward to hearing from you.

03/04/2013