Combining Bills: The Next Big Thing

Robyn Pliscott

Tampa delegation (Aletheia YIG)

Most delegates have their hands full with writing articles, presenting bills for State Assembly, giving briefs, and even helping fellow delegates with other bills.  However, some delegates perform together on the same bill, sharing both obligation and honor. Daniel Eisele and Nicole Gregory, two delegates representing the Tampa delegation, decided to combine their bills and present them together at State Assembly. Their bill required the labelling of all products that including GMO (genetically modified organism) ingredients.

    Their journey started at the PO/SO conference in late January. The two delegates were in the same chamber for committees and realized that their bills were essentially quite similar. After that, the delegates joined their bills for a side-by-side collation then made an agreement. Mr. Eisele’s bill was chosen as their ‘base’ bill, the bulk of which would be presented at State Assembly.

First committee was the first true test of their working relationship. They shared their research and statements, making sure that their material agreed and their interests aligned. Before presenting at Assembly, Mr. Eisele and Ms. Gregory wrote an amendment combining their bills. From there, they presented Williams House bill #3049 together, taking turns making opening and closing statements and answering NDTQs. “I don’t think either of us would have gotten as far if we’d done it separate,” Mr. Eisele said. “Nicole has definitely helped us get to where we are.”

The trip to the capitol wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. There were a lot of last-minute changes to the combined bill. Once they reached the Assembly, things went more smoothly. Mr. Eisele said, “If someone has the chance to combine bills, I would definitely recommend that they do it. It was a lot of fun working with Nicole, absolutely amazing.”

Mr. Eisele’s and Ms. Gregory’s bill originated in the Williams House. It passed easily and moved on to the Williams Senate, where it met with equal success. Friday afternoon, the delegates presented their bill before Governor Vollmer and the YIG Cabinet. They will learn if their bill passed the Cabinet on Saturday. Delegates Eisele and Gregory, we wish you the best of luck!