Frustrated by a state law telling him he wasn't old enough to give back to his community by donating blood, Joe Gibson, a sophomore at Blooming Prairie High School, decided to do something to change it. By working from the ground up, Joe advocated for a bill in the Minnesota legislature to lower the legal age for blood donation from 17 to 16.
At 15, he did not expect a petition to his state representative (and Wellstone Action alum), Patti Fritz, DFL-Faribault to be taken seriously. Now, age 16, Joe's bill has passed unanimously in the House and Senate. In Saint Paul this morning, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the bill into law, overseen by sponsor Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato. Joe was present at the signing of his bill, which will take affect on July 1st.
During his campaign, Joe learned the basics of policymaking and compromise. For instance, Joe originally wanted the bill to allow 15-year-olds to donate blood. But with research and the recommendation of the American Red Cross, the bill was revised to reflect the recent changes across the country of blood donation age to 16. To participate, an individual will need permission from a parent or guardian. Unlike donors age 17 and older, 16-year-olds will not be financially compensated for donating blood, encouraging adolescents to donate for other reasons than just to earn a few bucks on the side.
Joe is proof that young people are engaging in politics and public life, even before they are old enough to vote. If you are a high school student, or know any, check out our upcoming Camp Wellstone for High School Students in St. Paul on May 9-11, 2008.
-- Louis Prokop
