Pennsylvania state article by Ryan Brown

Pennsylvania’s Youth and Government (YAG) program, and by extension their CONA delegation, have a long and proud history. Currently in its 62nd year of operation, YAG is an accurate and detailed representation of the Pennsylvania government system. Meeting every spring at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, the two General Assembly chambers present bills for debate – and pray for support against the governor’s vetoes. An active judicial branch, complete with black robes, consider serious legal issues throughout the weekend-long session, as well.
The most talked-about event every spring, however, is the gubernatorial election for the coming year. This April, Harrisburg native Carl Feldman edged out heavy competition and won the governorship, succeeding previous leader Jeff Mitch of the Pittsburgh area. Pennsylvania’s YAG program is divided between East and West – a division that expressed itself this year in the form of a Penguins fans-vs.-Flyers fans Red Rover match. Nevertheless, the annual conference sees most regional rivalries set aside in the name of effective legislation and statewide unity.
At the end of each session, members are announced for PA’s famed CONA delegation. Armed with a variety of chants and a fiercely proud attitude, Pennsylvania has been known for its interstate rivalries and proclivity for ‘shenanigans.’ For the last several years, the PA kids have successfully kidnapped or deflated Wisconsin’s beloved cow mascot. Pennsylvania isn’t all about pranks and cow-killing; though: their esteemed delegates are known as active and passionate debaters, and as of the time of this article’s writing the vast majority of their bills have survived the committee system. PA is even active in the area of research – advisor and official “unbelievably nice guy” David John is a research aide at the Wired Bear.
In all, Pennsylvania remains the home of a vibrant youth government program and a famous (or infamous) CONA delegation. If you’d like to learn more, they can be found in Asheville Hall, or on the tables at lunch singing ‘Hava Nagila’ – just follow the Pittsburghese accents!