Today was my first "official" day on-site, as well as m first day on the Education Committee. I began the day watching the House Floor, where the "Third Reading" was taking place (meaning that everyone was voting on the bills). If you've never seen it, voting looks like this:
And if you want to read more about democracy, check out Nicole's blog here. After that, I went to the House Education committee, which brings me to the quote of the day. In the beginning of the meeting, teachers came into the hearing room to speak of the importance of education, with one teacher from Chaparral saying that "Hope is our currency". One of the most inspiring things that I have seen during my time at the legislature is all of the people who care so much about the issues that they travel from all parts of Arizona to speak for a few minutes to a committee. To me, this quote reminded me of why I was interested in doing my project about government in the first place, because of the hope that some people can bring about change. All in all, a pretty good first day.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Wow, you're in a really cool position to see legislators clean up all the bills they have ready to go. I'd be interested in seeing you go all the way to Washington! Two questions: how often does Governor Duce attend or give his opinion on an issue? Also, when will you begin you analysis of the media? Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHi Trey! If BASIS wants to fund a trip to Washington, I have no objections. I have not seen the governor since Opening Day, so I don't know if he will make any more announcements of things he wants to do this year (although often in appropriations committees the JLBC presents on the financial viability of things the governor wants to do). Not to mention, the State of the State address gave a pretty hefty list of things he wants to get done already. If the governor is interested in a bill being past, most of the time what he will do is approach a specific representative or senator to sponsor the bill. I will hopefully begin analysis of the media very soon, as the committee process ends and I can compare my impressions of committee with media representations of how committees are held.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWoah Mimi this is so cool that you got this opportunity to be front and center in the House. I am super interested in government, so this is really inspiring that you were able to get yourself there. Did any of the house members introduce you, interact with you, or ask what you were doing? Ugh this is so awesome.
ReplyDeleteHi Anuka! Though representatives can introduce guests onto the house publicly, I have not done that, though I have met a number of legislators. If you want to read more about that, read my second post in Week 2!
DeleteHi Mimi! Sounds like you had a very interesting first day. Just out of curiosity, did you happen to notice any BASIS teachers in the hearing room. If so, what did they have to say? In all, I am really intrigued by the dynamics of your project and look forward to tuning in next week!
ReplyDeleteI have not! But I have seen a couple of BASIS students been introduced into the house, which was cool. Since the education committee introduces a teacher each week, it would be nice to see a BASIS teacher represented.
DeleteHey Mimi! How long does it take for legislators to decide which way they are going to vote? Are they actually taking into account what people like the teachers have to say, or do they make up their minds immediately? I hope you are having a great time!
ReplyDeleteHi Jack! I don't actually know how long that takes, it probably varies on the bill. However, each week each parties meets in what is referred to as "caucus" and discuss the laws among themselves, which is a good opportunity where legislators can ask questions about the bill and decide how they want to vote. I would hope that they listen to the teachers, but every legislator is different. I would argue that the fact that they invite a different teacher every week is a sign that they want to hear their opinions on the current state of education, but that is a great question!
DeleteHi Mimi. Throughout your internship, do you plan to visit all the Committees or well you just be focusing on the what happens in the Education Committee? Anyway, because I really like learning about the government, I look forward to seeing your next update.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex! I will be visiting Education, Ways and Means, Finance (this one in the Senate), Appropriations (which is on the budget for the state), and Government. Be sure to check out my next few posts talking about those committees!
DeleteHi Mimi! I love all of links/videos that you've included to learn more about the process. Also, how cool that you and Frida are working next door and are able to explore life downtown!
ReplyDeleteWas there any mention of the new Secretary of Education and how this selection might impact education reform at the state level?
I also enjoy having Frida nearby, it makes the hour long drive into Phoenix much more bearable They did not mention the new Secretary, which is interesting, but I imagine that they wanted to push ahead with their heavy schedule that day.
Delete