It has been a very busy summer and fall for our family. I have not written in a while because of so much dialogue in the media focusing on the upcoming election. But, there are some things I do wish to convey to you, the reader. This mid-term election is extremely important. Come January, The House of Representatives will be given the task to create a state budget, delve into redistricting, and also vote on numerous bills. There is no doubt in my mind that it is going to be one of the most difficult legislative sessions we have had in a long time. That being said, it is important that every citizen vote. Everyone needs to vote to express their opinion. It is not enough to gripe about dissatisfaction; you need to do something about it. Voting is a right that we all have as American citizens, and we must act on it. Please take advantage of your right to vote. In the upcoming legislative session, there will be about 2,000 bills filed for consideration. Where do they all come from? How can there be that many law changes proposed? The answer is pretty simple: constituents. With 150 legislators serving the state, there are many ideas and proposals that are suggested over the course of the spring, summer and fall. Legislators receive ideas and process their worth. If the idea is reasonable, the legislator takes it to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency, and asks for research and an official bill draft. The bill draft is then circulated to the individuals who requested it and if acceptable, it will be introduced for consideration during session. If the bill receives a hearing by a committee, it has a chance to advance and be fully considered by the legislative body. Without an initial committee hearing, the bill dies. My whole point is that ideas come to the legislative process by communicating with your elected representatives. That is why voting for and electing effective representatives is so important. The first and most important step is to vote. Then, communicate with your representative. Two principles here are imperative: voting and communication. Our government depends on both because they are the root of democracy. Please don't miss either opportunity. More later, Bill Friend
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