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Date: 9/4/2015
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts are joining forces to host the Citizens’ Legislative Seminar, and state Sen. Don Humason is encouraging residents in his district to apply.
The two-day semi-annual seminar is conducted at the State House in Boston, and Humason said those who attend get as much information as those who intern for a legislative office for a semester.
“You get hands on exposure into the position of state senator with access to senate leadership, clerk members of the senate,” Humason said. “You learn how a bill become a law. You get to learn really the genesis of an idea from legislation to it becoming a law.”
Humason said it is a chance for his constituents to see how the State Senate works. Especially for those from Western Massachusetts, he said it is important to know their concerns are being heard.
“I think that we here in Western Massachusetts have a different perspective of what happens in Boston, and often it’s a negative one because we feel we are overlooked, neglected or forgotten,” Humason said. “As a senator in the western part of the state, the first part of the job is to remind our colleagues in Boston that we exist and that our ideas are valid and we deserve to be recognized as much as people in Boston, Worcester and any of the bigger cities. I think a citizen will realize the role of advocacy across the Commonwealth and will see how we advocate for Western Massachusetts.”
The Citizens’ Legislative Seminar is a chance for residents to peak into the window of state government. Though Humason knows it may be difficult for those interested in attending to find time and travel to Boston for two days, he said it would be well worth it.
“I think that the citizens involved in the seminar will come away with a better appreciation and understanding of the constitution and established legislation and how the state government works or should work,” Humason said. “Of course we know that it only does work if citizens do their part, not just by voting but by communicating with their senators and representatives … You’ll come away a changed person with a deeper understanding of your own history, your own government and your own democracy.”
Humason represents the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District. Those residents interested in applying for the Citizens’ Legislative Seminar should contact Humason’s district office in order to be nominated by Sept. 21 at 568-1366.