Search

As the Minnesota Legislative Program Intern for Clean Water Action, I delved into the democratic process more than I ever had before. Prior to this, of course I voted. I read the news but I had not realized how much my knowledge of state affairs was lacking. My presence at the capitol covering committee meetings and hearings opened a window that I hadn’t known existed—one that showed me the public’s role in government.

Initially, taking notes at these meetings seemed like a daunting task. With my laptop balanced on my knees I tapped furiously against the keys, trying to transcribe complex and

Catch up on the Plastic Free July news from Berkeley...

Clean Water Action works hard to keep people involved in the democratic process, even outside of election day. Contrary to popular belief, politicians are not working against the interest of the people. They just have a lot on their plates. Thousands of bills can come across an elected official's desk (if the bill number is A2500, that means it is the 2,500 bill introduced that 2 year session alone)! Big industries spend a lot of money to keep lobbyists in the capitol to be sure elected officials vote in the industries favor. We will never have the money that big corporations have to spend on