Santa Fe, NM - Sunday morning, delegates attended the opening session of the 2022 New Mexico Youth and Government Conference. The session opened with the delegates being sworn in by Chief Justice Angelica Trillo. Swearing in was followed by a speech given by the New Mexico Youth Governor Gabby Delgado. The Governor spoke with the Daily Delegate Sunday afternoon and said "I am very grateful to be back in person at the Roundhouse.
On zoom, the program feels very individualized but while in person, delegates are able to connect with each other better. We can still utilize democracy on zoom but being back in person is a whole different experience."
Delegates had the distinct honor of hearing from the New Mexico Speaker of The House Brian Egolf. Speaker Egolf touched on how this was his last session as a Representative, as he is retiring.
After fourteen years of service Egolf wishes to spend more time with his family.
This marks the first in-person session since 2019, with the rest of that time being virtual. Delegates are excited to be back in person. "The energy of the conference is more lively in person which leads to more effective debate" explained Secretary of State
Kate Rocco, "It feels really nice to be able to connect with students who go to different schools than you."
The 2022 Youth and Government Conference has nearly 100 delegates who are excited to introduce, debate and pass their bills.