Student Contest: Developing a New Policy Option for the Budget Challenge

Next 10 is pleased to announce the winner of our 2007 policy option contest, Nickolas Resendez, a graduating senior at McClatchy High School in Sacramento, California. Contestants were given the unique challenge of writing a new policy option for the California Budget Challenge, an online game Next 10 developed that allows users to build their own version of the state’s $103 billion budget based on their priorities.

In his proposal, Nickolas says that he cares about the future of the planet, believes global warming is a danger plaguing us now, and asks, “Can we afford not to do something about it?” His answer is a new car assessment tax, which would levy a one percent tax on all new cars that are not fuel-efficient. Revenues would fund research on carbon-free fuels and other alternatives.

A panel of judges reviewed all entries and the winner was chosen based on specific criteria including the topical nature of each policy option, the feasibility of implementing it as a choice in the California Budget Challenge, and whether or not the entry was complete with detailed background information and pros and cons of the choice.

Congratulations to Nickolas Resendez, Next Ten’s winner of a $2,000 scholarship, and to his teacher, Mr. Voisen, winner of a $200 certificate to Amazon.

To receive information about future contests, please email info@next10.org and check our website frequently for updates.