Today was my second Boreas workshop this semester and the topic was “Engaging in the Legislative Process” hosted by Kate Knuth, former state legislator.
Here is the blurb on the workshop: “The legislative process is meant to facilitate public conversations about issues. But it’s pretty confusing. This workshop will help you better understand the legislative process and develop strategies for getting involved. Learn about your legislators and discover tools to help you follow the action. Think through how to do more than write a letter to your elected officials. (Though letters are still important and you should keep writing them.) The workshop focuses on the Minnesota legislative process and is led by a former state legislator.”
Takeaways:
-Its easy to find your legislator. Go to http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts or www.leg.mn
-Write letters
-Meet your legislators…they are here to work for you!
-Get involved
-Become a County Commissioner
-Engage in the Process
-Lobbyists can be good or bad
-“Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter” by Nancy Baron
-“The Honest Broker: Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics” by Roger A. Pielke
