Do you follow the happenings in your legislature?

Snowstorm · Feb 18, 2011

Several years ago, a bill was introduced at Wyoming's legislature that angered me so much I got involved: emailing and calling my opinion. I found the list of bills and found several that interested me (many didn't as they were very technical and over my head).

Since then, with every session I review the bills, keep a list of those that interest me, and follow them through the process. If I'm adamant enough, I shoot off emails or use the online or phone hotlines. Right now I'm streaming the live audio from the Senate as they discuss HB74, Validity of Marriage ("a trainwreck" one senator called it). Fascinating stuff.

Does anyone follow their state's legislature sessions? What do you learn from the experience?

alleycat · Feb 18, 2011

Here, the Tennessee Legislature is broadcast on a second channel of the local PBS station. I sometimes watch it. This week one of the main items was a bill that would affect the teachers union in the state; of course, it's been lively. The teachers union is vehemently opposed to any such change ("Change the tenure policy? We shall use every means at our disposal to fight that."); others argue that something must be done to make the educational system better.

Of course, it's all for the children. And money.

regdog · Feb 18, 2011

I have and I have also helped get questions on the ballot. I've always felt that if you believe in something you should stand up for it.

Snowstorm · Feb 18, 2011

regdog said:
I have and I have also helped get questions on the ballot. I've always felt that if you believe in something you should stand up for it.

Amen. If I have a complaint/request to an elected official, they WILL know my name too. I don't believe in anonymous requests. I have support for a small issue involving liquor and catering permits that has many elected and state officials excited, so I'm hopeful it'll pass (it won't be in the legislative bills until next session though). Cool and exciting stuff to be involved.

regdog · Feb 18, 2011

Speak your mind - even if your voice shakes.

Maggie Kuhn

Snowstorm · Feb 18, 2011

Profound, regdog. There's power behind those words!

Xelebes · Feb 18, 2011

I track the municipal funding allocations in the provincial governments - provinces don't have the ability to make laws regarding too many rights so there often isn't much to be discussed. Right now there is a Bill 36, the Land Stewardship Act that's being touted around by the Sustainable Resources Minister because of the changes made to the appeal process on utility lines or something. Haven't followed that much.

Do you follow the happenings in your legislature?

Snowstorm

Baby plot bunneh sniffs out a clue

alleycat

Still around

regdog

The Scavengers

Snowstorm

Baby plot bunneh sniffs out a clue

regdog

The Scavengers

Snowstorm

Baby plot bunneh sniffs out a clue

Xelebes

Delerium ex Ennui