DOWNLOAD 2004-05 OUGHTA CONTEST APPLICATIONS

2004-05 Oughta Contest Application - English (PDF)
2004-05 Oughta Contest Application - English
2004-05 Oughta Contest Application - Espanol (PDF)
2004-05 Oughta Contest Application - Espanol

PALO ALTO – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) extended the deadline for his fourth annual "There Oughta Be A Law" contest today.

"When I'm out in the community, I hear from folks who are interested in submitting ideas, but who've said they haven't had a chance to get their thoughts down in writing yet," explained Simitian. "I don't want the need for a deadline to stop folks from participating in the contest, so I simply extended the deadline from October 22 to December 1," Simitian continued.

Since the contest began, it has inspired more than four hundred ideas for new legislation. All told, Simitian has introduced eight pieces of legislation based on ideas submitted through his "There Oughta Be A Law" contest. Of those, 6 have been signed into law -- covering everything from reducing the use of toxic chemicals in state buildings to improving highway safety.

The contest winner (or winners) will have their bill ideas introduced as legislation, be invited to the State Capitol to have lunch with Simitian, and also have the opportunity to testify at a committee hearing on their bill. Winners will also be given a California State flag that has been flown over the Capitol. "But most importantly," said Simitian, "winners stand a good chance of seeing their ideas become law."

Application forms for this year's contest may be downloaded at http://www.assembly.ca.gov/simitian. The public may also call the Assemblyman's office at 650-688-6330 to request a form. Deadline for all entries is December 1, 2004, at 5:00 p.m.

"Some of the best ideas I hear for new legislation come directly from the folks in my District. If you've ever said to yourself, 'hey, there oughta be a law about this or that,' now is your chance to be heard," Simitian said.