Sen. Downing looking for Citizens’ Legislative Seminar applicants

State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) is still accepting applications for the 69th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS) to be held this fall on Monday, Oct. 15 and Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the State House.

CLS attendees must be nominated by their state senator. All residents of the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin District interested in attending this year’s event are invited to contact Senator Downing’s Boston office at (617) 722-1625 by Friday, Sept. 7.

A resume will be requested from each applicant. Participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis; candidates must be able to attend both days of the program.

“The Citizens’ Legislative Seminar allows participants to discuss with legislators their role in state government and gain insight into the legislative process,” said Sen. Downing. “It is a unique opportunity for our citizens and constituents to get an in-depth view of their state government.”

CLS is a citizen workshop that aims to better educate the public on the commonwealth’s legislative process.

Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, this two-day workshop features presentations by senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the commonwealth.

Topics will include the history and process of the legislature, the parliamentary role of the Clerk of the Senate and the future of the legislature.

The CLS culminates with a simulated legislative hearing and senate session where participants are invited to use what they have learned and participate as “senators” in the Senate Chamber in order to have a first-hand experience of the legislative process.

Posted by Kameron Z. Spaulding on August 30, 2012. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry