© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Las Cruces 5th grader sees bill signed into law

Braden McIntosh with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Jaylene McIntosh
Braden McIntosh with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Braden McIntosh, a Las Cruces fifth-grader, hopes more youth will benefit from programs through the Department of Game and Fish. His bill, SB392, was signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Braden, his mother Jaylene, and his sister Adaline talk with KC Counts about the homework assignment that turned into a real-world policymaking experience.

Listen to the interview above or read the interview Transcript below:

KC Counts:

So the first question I have for you, Brayden, as I saw a picture of you when the bill was signed and the governor acknowledged you, you're almost as tall as the governor, huh. You’re almost as tall as the Governor?

Braden McIntosh:

Yes.

KC Counts:

What was that like? Meeting Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham?

Braden McIntosh:

It was really fun, and it was a really cool experience meeting her and shaking her hand.

KC Counts:

So I understand that this project came about for a homework assignment. Tell me about that.

Braden McIntosh:

Well, I went up to Santa Fe for team pack to New Mexico, and one of the things that I had to do is write a bill for fun or real or to present to the class. I chose to write a real bill about the game and fish youth programs to increase funds for the youth programs all across the state. My dad and my mom helped me get through it and they thought of good things that I could say and some that weren't so good that I didn't say.

KC Counts:

Well, good. It's good. You knew the difference. So tell me what it was like writing a bill from start to finish. Who helped you, other than your mom and dad?

Braden McIntosh:

Well, when we went up to Santa Fe, we went to the Game and Fish office because my mom wanted to show me the big fish. All of the fish species on their wall. And I got to meet Colonel Cimbal and Sergeant Sean, and I got to tour their whole office and they pointed me in some directions to who I should talk to? In the Senate side of the Round House.

KC Counts:

So then you met a couple of senators, right? And what did they do for you?

Braden McIntosh:

They helped me. First I explained the bill to them, and they were all ears. After I finished, they really wanted to get this bill on track and actually trying to get it a real law. So we went to the writers office and we explained my idea to her, and she started working on her real bill.

KC Counts:

Well, how did that feel when you were able to say, I have an actual bill and it's getting signed into law? I mean, I hope you at least got an A on your homework assignment, right?

Braden McIntosh:

Not yet. My mom's still thinking of a way to make it a little bit difficult.

KC Counts:

That's right, because your mom homeschools you, right? Well, I have to bring Mom into the conversation, then at this point, I mean, I don't want to ruin any surprises. Jaylene, welcome to KRWG yourself.

Jaylene:

Thank you so much for having us on.

KC Counts:

But he's. I mean, he's going to get an A right?

Jaylene:

Absolutely, an A+! I don't know how he could get any different of a grade this. Is beyond has gone beyond anything we could even imagine, from the very beginning.

KC Counts:

As a parent, what do you think this means? For your son.

Jaylene:

Wow, this is a learning opportunity of a lifetime, for sure. I mean, we were just going up to Santa Fe to just learn about the government, just kind of an intro to civics, if you will. And for him to have the opportunity to meet the senators, to be a part of the legislative process, to be on the Senate floor as an expert witness, and we watched it as the legislation passed through all the different stages, I mean. Who knows what his future holds? He's definitely interested in this process, and I think it's really inspiring for me to see this generation get involved and see that they can make a difference for the future.

KC Counts:

So Brayden, next question for you. Let's talk about why you chose to write a bill related to the Game and Fish Department.

Braden McIntosh:

Well, I love having fun with my family outdoors, and we mostly do all the fun activities. And it's always just a joy. And most other kids don't have this chance. And I really wanted to share all the fun activities that I was doing with my family with everyone, and all the other children and of New Mexico.

KC Counts:

So what plan did you come up with to do that? Tell me about the way the bill raises funds for those youth programs.

Braden McIntosh:

Well, now that it has gotten passed. It means that if you purchase any hunting or fishing license, if the total comes out odd, or the change is odd, it will say round up, or donate a specified amount.

KC Counts:

So I can go and purchase something through the Game and Fish department, round it up or even say, let's kick in 10 bucks, right. And what kind of programs will that money help out?

Braden McIntosh:

It will help out hunting programs, natural resource programs, and archery and rifle, fishing and off-roading programs.

KC Counts:

So what is your favorite of those activities?

Braden McIntosh:

It would probably be...there all are so good. I couldn't pick just one.

KC Counts:

What do you think other kids can learn after they're able to take advantage of programs through the Game and Fish Department. Why do you think it's important for kids and for our public lands?

Braden McIntosh:

So that the generation will take care of the beautiful land of enchantment of New Mexico.

KC Counts:

All right, now you said you love doing things with your family, and one of your other family members is here today. So I would like to talk to Adeline, your sister, and I would like to ask her...Because you got to witness this with this process all the way through, right, Adeline?

Adeline:

Yes.

KC Counts:

And what did you think about your brother getting a bill through our New Mexico State legislature?

Adeline:

I thought it was really cool. And Brandon really inspired me because he got to shake the governor's hand, which I think is a really, really big opportunity.

KC Counts:

And, so do you think maybe you'll write a bill, too?

Adeline:

Maybe.

KC Counts:

Have you had any ideas already?

Adeline:

Not really.

KC Counts:

Not yet, huh? Well you come back and see us when you get your bill passed through the legislature? OK? And Jaylene, congratulations to you as a mom who homeschools, “a home educator”, is there a title for home school parents?

Jaylene:

Yes, definitely a home educator is all encompassing.

KC Counts:

What has been the most surprising thing along the way for you?

Jaylene:

Along this journey? Oh goodness, it's really been a blessing, quite honestly. As far as surprises, being the first hand person to see these children in action, and those light bulb moments that they get in school with me, whether it's teaching them how to read or finally overcoming some math hurdle that they've been having. Or like, this guy sitting here in your studio today, listening to him share his story with you, has just been a real highlight.

KC Counts:

And there's got to be a lot of challenges along the way. What do you think was the biggest hurdle? What advice would you have for other people, other parents who would like to consider homeschooling?

Jaylene:

The advice that I would have for people that are considering homeschooling, would be to do a little research before you just jump into it. We were considering it truly before the pandemic hit. And I did a lot of research, that's just the person that I am, and dug into learning styles, curriculum that's available today. Homeschooling now and in the Las Cruces community, there is a huge community of homeschoolers and support, and there's a lot of curriculum out there. You can really tailor your child's education to his or her interest, to whatever you believe is important, that they learn, and in which order they learn things. I mean there's so much to it, so I would just say, do a little bit of research and see what kind of curriculum might match with your student and then just go from there.

KC Counts:

Do you get to do like, a really concentrated version of it and then get them graduated by like 13?

Jaylene:

Ohh goodness, their brains just aren't even ready to go out into the real world, right? But, it is definitely concentrated. It is definitely concentrated. I mean, for example, just with math, to be specific, we focus on one thing for the year. For example, ‘Addition’, I mean these kids, when they were doing addition in second grade, by the end of it, they were adding five numbers, and three numbers by five, and all of that kind of thing. And so now, as a fifth grader, this guy's got all kinds of fractions going on. So I like specifically in that, it just builds, and they’re really doing a great job. It's a lot of fun.

KC Counts:

Right. Well, I want to talk to Adeline one more time, because I want to ask you next. Do you have any thoughts about what you want to do after you graduate from home school?

Adeline:

I kind of want to be a Baker in Paris with my brother, because I think we're really good bakers. And I was also, I also kind of want to be a vet because I love helping animals.

KC Counts:

Well, that sounds perfect. I love animals too, so I always need a good vet and we have a serious shortage of veterinarians right now, so that's a really excellent idea. And I also want to go to Paris and eat pastries. So I'll see you there, OK?

Adeline:

OK.

KC Counts:

Brayden, though you kind of shook your head that maybe you didn't want to go to Paris and be a Baker?

Braden McIntosh:

Yes, I've always wanted to be an architect and design in a famous house, like it's been lighting up to me, as we've been studying ancient history, and learning about all these famous buildings and all the people that designed them, it's just inspired me. And it's just like, now I'm starting to design them and it's fun.

KC Counts:

Now I thought that after you had gone through this whole process in Santa Fe, that for sure you were going to become a politician.

Braden McIntosh:

It would be super fun too, and I've been thinking about it, but I would rather design, and design a great house for them, than work with them.

KC Counts:

Alright, well, we'll leave it on that note. Brayden Macintosh, thank you so much for coming in to talk to us and congratulations on your achievement.

Braden McIntosh:

Thank you.

KC Counts:

And Jaylene McIntosh, congratulations on both of your achievements that are sitting here with us today.

Jaylene:

Thank you so much. Thank you so much for having us in.

KC Counts:

Great to have you. And Adeline, thank you as well. It's great to see you. And we'll see you next time, OK?

Adeline:

OK. Thank you so much.