Legislative Academy Day Set for January 6th

Citizen‘s Encouraged to Learn About the Legislative Process

By Jim Day

Laws don‘t just appear out of thin air. They go through a pre-established process involving our state elected officials where they are introduced, discussed and amended in committees, debated, voted upon and then finally put into effect. This of course is a rudimentary overview. We, you and I, are supposed to play an important part in this process. If you don‘t know how, then you need to mark your calendar to attend the 3rd Annual Capitol Legislative Academy Day on January 6th in Jefferson City where you‘ll have an outstanding opportunity to learn how the legislative process works and how you can play a part in this important process which affects you and your family.

January 6, 2004 is the day set for the day-long Academy which is the day before Missouri  legislators return for the 2004 Legislative Session. This annual event is structured for  novices as well as the experienced citizen wanting to learn exactly how the law making    process works and how they can make their voices heard in the process.       Missouri Eagle Forum’s State Director, Lois Linton, explained “This is an excellent    way to get a feel for the process and learn more about key issues affecting our families.   We will   hear from legislators and visit the Senate and House Chambers.”

Linton said, “Last year Missouri Family Network’s President, Kerry Messer, gave a thorough explanation of Missouri’s key issues along with some of the history of the Senate and House Bills to be watched. With over nineteen years of legislative experience, Messer will be a presenter again this year.”

“Learning legislative terms, how to read legislation and how the legislative system works makes us all more effective citizens while talking with our elected officials,” said Janet Engelbach, Legislative Director for Missouri Eagle Forum. “Once again we will have a mock committee hearing to experience how a committee works which is always a very interesting part of the day.”

Engelbach went on to say, “We are looking forward to our invited guests, State Representative Larry Crawford from California, MO who will speak about ‘Private Property Rights’ and State Representative Dr. Wayne Cooper from Camdenton, MO who will talk about his ‘Intelligent Design’ bill. We choose the day before session begins so families will have an opportunity to stay in Jefferson City for the first day of the Legislative Session, January 7, to meet and visit with their elected officials.”

The Capitol Legislative Academy will begin at 10 a.m. in the House Hearing Room 7, at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City and conclude at 4 p.m. There will be a working lunch and materials provided for $12 per person. Those wishing to attend the working lunch must make reservations by calling (314) 331-0425. This event is being presented by Missouri Eagle Forum, Missouri Family Network, Families for Home Education, Concerned Women for America of Missouri, and Citizens for Private Property Rights.