“We’ve been snookered,” decried the legislators when confronted with the numerous gaffs that occurred during the recently adjourned state legislative session. Doesn’t that strike a familiar chord? “I didn’t have time to read it” or “I didn’t know anything about it.” The responses were all too familiar and disappointing.
Sandwiched between the proclamation that designated May 13th as Planned Parenthood Day and the lurid vocals of “Hurricane Chris” giving us a taste of his musical talents, was a series of “rookie-dos” and “fugaboos” coupled with an inordinate amount of ill-advised legislation. Time was found to debate a helmet law, cell phone usage and many special interest items but what about fiscal issues? Wasn’t that the intent of the session? Wasn’t this session to lay the foundation for long-term changes to the way government operates? State Senator Rob Marionneaux got it right! ...”this was not a pretty session.”
Perhaps my expectations were a bit lofty, idealistic or naïve as some have told me. Regardless, I still believe that we, the people, are entitled to, and should demand high standards and accountability from our elected legislative representatives. Their tasks are at times difficult and all too often thankless, but that acknowledgement is no excuse.
Legislators are elected to represent their constituents. Both entities have a responsibility to each other. Dialog between the two entities is essential if our representative democracy is to function properly. We must strive to insure that our collective druthers are the guiding principle behind each act, resolution or amendment. Most of us looked forward to the last legislative session, believing that in a fiscal session we would see significant achievement on issues such as homestead exemption, millage adjustments, tax reductions, meaningful down-sizing of government, and of course, budget reform. The end result of this session did little to resolve the major challenges we continue to face. While I, along with countless others, am disappointed, I am not disheartened or discouraged. We, the people, need to do a better job of guiding our elected representatives and bolstering their resolve to stay focused on the real issues.
After much thought and consideration I came to the conclusion that perhaps we share blame for the lackluster achievements we witnessed. Our inability to face the facts and make the tough decision on retirement funding, higher education, healthcare and the size of government is the real issue. In order to assist our delegation we need to educate ourselves on the issues and the legislative process. This begins with becoming knowledgeable on “how the system works.”
Each year the Louisiana Legislature convenes for its regular session. In addition, the legislature may convene in an organizational, veto extraordinary or special session. While different criteria are prescribed for each type of session, the governances remain somewhat consistent. Odd-numbered years are classified as jurisdiction sessions, with general sessions conducted in even-numbered years. This year, being an odd-numbered (2009) year, was termed a fiscal session. The objective of all regular sessions is to reach consensus on the wide range of issues that impact the citizens of the state. The process involves cooperation in critical decision making and an appreciation for the often times unique views of various state regions and locales.
Our chosen representatives, members of the House and Senate, have a difficult task in determining which laws and policies best serve the interests of constituents. They rely on many different sources of input. While much technical information is provided by various staff members, state agency personnel and professional lobbyists, most also rely on the views and preferences of those that elect them. This system is precisely how the legislative process was designed to work. The most important input to the process is a candid, positive and close relationship between legislators and the voters who elected them. Active participation by the electorate is essential. Some are attentive and listen - others don’t, but the system is self-correcting and soon makes the right adjustments.
In order to be proactive in the legislative system, citizens should begin by understanding the basics of the legislative process. Perhaps the best guide available is the legislative website itself, http//legis.state.la.us. There you will find valuable information on the voting record of our elected representatives. There is also a PULS (Public Update Legislative Service) line available to assist you with your research or queries if needed (800-256-3793). This service is of tremendous assistance when you are researching legislation. Most committee and general sessions are televised or audio links are provided. Through these media links you can observe your representatives “doing the people’s business.” Once you familiarize yourself with the system you can research topics of interest and convey opinions to our legislators. In most cases it’s best to put your thoughts and opinions in writing. Letters and e-mails are excellent vehicles. If possible, meet directly with your State House Representative and Senator. Your willingness to be a responsible, involved participant is crucial to the decision-making process.
Remember, our legislators are our neighbors. They all aspire to do what’s right for their communities, but often times this becomes difficult as debate and negotiations create compromise. Well-informed and involved citizens tend to keep these public servants focused on the things that got them there. I implore all citizens to get to know their legislators and stay in touch so that the voice of the people is always forefront in their deliberations and decision making. We have a critical role to play. Let’s make sure we are doing our part and carrying our fair share of the burden. I, like you, surely don’t want to be “snookered.”
My two cents…for what it’s worth.