Have you ever seen our government in action? Do you ever wonder who these law makers are, what happens to a bill when it goes to committee, and who speaks for or against the proposed issue? Well it is an eye opening and educational experience that one must witness and experience for themselves. While the State House may seem like a political battlefield for legislatures and lobbyists, it is actually a wonderfully open environment for everyday people.
When the legislature is in session and you decide you would like to discuss an issue with your local representative or senator, you are free to go to the state house, write a note with your representative’s seat number and name or your senator’s name on it, hand it to the “door keeper” and ask them to meet with you to discuss your specific topic of interest. It’s amazing, as soon as they have a moment, they come out into the hall and voila, you have their undivided attention. In addition, whether you are a proponent or opponent of a bill or bills being introduced to the legislature, you are free to go and voice your opinion (give testimony) during public hearings. You can go on to the Maine State Legislature website (http://janus.state.me.us/legis) to find the schedule of hearings, list of bills, and information on the status of a bill. Another great way to find out bills of interest is to contact local advocacy groups like the Natural Resources Council of Maine (http://www.maineenvironment.org), Toxics Action Center (http://www.toxicsaction.org), and Environmental Health Strategy Center (http://www.preventharm.org), just to name a few.
These groups mentioned above are more than happy to discuss upcoming lobby days, hearings, bills, and information pertaining to the current proposals being heard at the state house. These groups are a wealth of information on environmental issues and will work with you on how to be an effective advocate. Not to long ago I made my first trip to the State house to lobby for cleaner cars, the removal of toxins in schools, and lead abatement initiatives. I was so nervous my armpits were sweaty and it was only 40 degrees outside. I attended a Lobby Day hosted by Toxics Action Center and the Environmental Health Strategy Center. In the morning these groups organized speakers to discuss the legislative process and did a role play on how to effectively discuss the bill you are lobbying for or against with your representative or senator. On this day, I went from an environmental science student to an environment activist. Within a few weeks I went from taking my first steps into the State House to speaking to the governor and giving testimony on a bill.
The bill was for LD 1034, an act to prevent lead poisoning of children and adults. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Robert Duplessie was heard in front of the Health and Human Services Committee. There were numerous proponents for this bill and a handful or so of opponents. But what was most interesting is that the majority of individuals speaking at the hearing were concerned citizens of Maine who just want to make the environment a better place.
This is our government in action; and what a beautiful system we have. How fortunate we are as citizens of this state and of this country to have the opportunity to speak passionately from our hearts about the issues that concern us most. The most amazing moment of all is when you walk up to that podium, testimony in hand, and suddenly your thoughts, your convictions; your words are being absorbed by decision makers. And when you have finished, you can walk away knowing that no matter the outcome, you have done your part in contributing to our system of democracy.