STRAIGHT FROM THE SENATE : VISIT THE SENATE AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Visit the Senate, Share Your Thoughts on Issues Affecting Hoosiers

As the 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly draws near, I would like to take the opportunity to invite you and your family to visit me at the Statehouse, take part in legislative proceedings and share your thoughts on issues facing Indiana families and our state. Because this is a budget session and lawmakers will draft a proposal to fund state services for the next two years, your input on how state funds should be spent is critical.

With your participation, Indiana’s legislative process functions more effectively. There are several ways to get involved and have your voice heard at the Statehouse.

You may observe the full Senate any day it is in session from Jan. 7 to April 29. The Senate typically meets on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 1:30 p.m. Legislative committees meet most Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and all day on Wednesdays. These committee hearings are open to the public or can be streamed online at www.in.gov/legislative/2441.htm. When session begins, you can view a list of all committees as well as what issues will be discussed during each hearing at www.in.gov/legislative/2356.htm. If you have an interest in a specific bill, committees welcome public testimony.

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Additionally, I invite any area students to get involved in the legislative process by encouraging them to serve as a Senate page for a day. Local middle and high school students are eligible to participate in the one-day page program that gives students the opportunity to experience the legislative process up-close, assist me and my staff and listen to floor debate. Students may apply online at www.in.gov/senatepageprogram or send me a letter expressing an interest in the page program.

All requests need to include the student’s name, address, home telephone number, age and school affiliation. Friends wanting to page on the same day should send requests together. After the page office processes the requests, students will receive confirmation of their scheduled dates to serve.

Participating as a page is an excused absence from school and includes a tour of the historic Statehouse. It is always a delight to welcome students from our community and give them an inside look at how their state government functions. The page program is a great learning tool for all young Hoosiers, especially those who have an interest in government or politics.

It will be another exciting and productive year at the General Assembly and I hope to hear from you along the way. Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns at Senator.Long@iga.in.gov or 1-800-382-9467. My mailing address is Sen. David Long, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

It is an honor to represent you at the Senate. You have my best wishes for a joyful holiday season and happy, healthy New Year.