A Third Grade View of the Legislature

This past week I was joined on the floor by a bright young man visiting the legislature with his class. We talked about the schedule of the day. First we would have the prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and then we would take attendance. He thought pushing the green button and seeing my name light up on the board was cool. He figured out very quickly that when the Speaker rapped his gavel you either stood up or sat down. Then it was time to consider bills. The first two were housekeeping bills and went very quickly. The bill was explained, the ding for the key to be opened and the vote-green both times. On the third bill there was a considerable amount of disagreement, lots of debate. My darling guest finally leaned over and asked if I didn't find this a little boring. He thought they kept saying the same thing over and over-he was correct. Sometimes as legislator's we feel that what we want to say is so important we should say it even if someone else already has. A very good reminder for me. He did think it was better when he got to push the red button on the "boring" bill. That and a little candy helped make the day a success. I did tell him about a bill we were going to discuss about pop in school. He decided that wouldn't be boring and he would vote yes! There is nothing like looking at the process though young eyes.

When Constituients Don't Agree

It is easy, or at least not a problem, to cast a vote on a bill when the people you represent agree on the issue. When constituents line up on different sides a dilemma occurs. Unless you are a member of a committee that hears the debate on a bill, one must do their own research. This fact finding includes listening to opinions on both sides, weighing the pros and cons,tallying the yes and no's from those you represent and finally casting a vote. The yes or no vote will make some people happy and others wondering if you aren't listening to them. I make every effort to respond to everyone who contacts me. I also feel it is important to explain why I made the decision I did. It is not unusual to disagree, but I try very hard not to be disagreeable. I am also well aware that I do not have all the answers and, as much as I would like to be, I am not always correct. Although this is my sixth session I find that I learn something new everyday. It is important to hear from the people we represent. Even if we don't agree we can continue to grow.

Ideas-Good Can Happen-Even with a No Vote

It's like the old saying "There are no dumb questions." In the legislature I find that there really aren't many dumb ideas. Monday we voted on a tax exemption for people who buy hearing aids. Certainly a worthy idea and one that would benefit people who have a hearing problem. At first glance one would wonder why it wouldn't pass. The discussion in the committee "hearing" brought forth the fact that we also have a number of people who have vision problems. Should we have a tax exemption for glasses? Dentures, root canals, and other dental problems were also mentioned. Should we have a tax exemption for false teeth? Anyway, you get the idea. Something that seems to make so much sense can't always happen. It does keep the process interesting. As a side note, I was visiting with Janelle Cole of the Forum following the vote about what to do with used hearing aids. I have a really good pair that were my mom's. I now know they can be turned into an audiologist and help someone with a hearing loss. Good can come out of a no vote.

Who are they and what do they do?

The North Dakota Legislature is in session. During the next 80 days your elected representatives will study bills and make decisions on the future of ND. One of main reasons for this blog is to reach out to the people I represent and to encourage them to be part of the process. In North Dakota one person can make a difference and it's easy to do.

There are 47 political districts in ND. Each district has two representatives and one senator. The term of office is four years. Since our legislature only meets every other year that is two sessions. Every two years half of the districts are up for election. Once the session starts each member is assigned to an A & a B committee. The A committees meet Monday through Wednesday- they are: Education; Human Services; Industry, Business, & Labor; Finance & Tax; and Judiciary. The B committees meet on Thursday and Friday-they are: Government & Veteran Affairs; Political Subdivisions; Natural Resources; Agriculture; and Transportation. Each chamber also has an Appropriations committee that meets every day.
Bills that are submitted by individual legislators, interim committees or agencies are assigned to an appropriate committee for a hearing. ND is unique in that all bills get a hearing. In many states the committee chairman can decide not to hear a bill. One way to get involved is to testify at a hearing. While this sounds a little scary it is really very easy and I find that the best testimony comes from the people who will be directly affected by the out come of the proposed legislation. The committee then votes to send the bill to the floor with a Do Pass or Do Not Pass recommendation. The bill is put on the calendar and after discussion a vote is taken. If the bill passes it is sent to the other chamber and the process starts all over. If the bill passes the other chamber but there are differences, a conference committee meets to find a solution that is agreed upon by both houses. It then goes to the Governor for his signature or veto. If it is signed it then will become the law in North Dakota.

So what can you do to make a difference?

1. Call, write or e-mail your Senator or Representative; e-mail and the legislative phone number are on the Discover ND web site.
2. Attend local forums and express your opinions
3. Testify at a hearing

We do listen to the citizens of ND. You can be a part of this process. Please help us make ND a better place to live.

Future postings will deal with legislative issues. If there is something special you would like to hear about just e-mail to khawken@nd.gov

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