- Mache - Legislative Training Days 2008 Session Wrap Up

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NOTICE: All of the available spaces for the 2009 Legislative Training Days have been filled and registration for this event has been closed. If you wish to be placed on a waiting list in case someone cancels, please contact MACHE by email at info@mache.org or by telephone 763-717-9070 (local) or 866-717-9070 (out state).

2009 Legislative Training Days
Thursday and Friday, January 29-30, 2009
An excellent educational opportunity about the inner workings of state government for home educated high school students and their parents

MACHE member parents and their high school age students 16 years of age or older are invited to join us for a two-day session of interactive hands-on training at the Minnesota State Capitol on Thursday and Friday, January 29-30, 2009. THIS IS A TEACHING SESSION. Students and parents will learn and see the legislative process: how a bill becomes law, how to meet with their legislators, how to obtain documents and information, how to check on the status of a bill, and how to find their way around the Capitol. They will also be introduced to the various careers involved in the legislative process, such as legislative pages, legislative assistants, committee assistants, etc.

The TRAINING DAY will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday and is scheduled to conclude by 3:30 p.m. on Friday. This "seminar format" is designed for MACHE member parents and their students 16 years of age or older. Students attending must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult(s). The cost is $30.00 per person. Information regarding meals will be available closer to the date. You will be responsible for your own hotel accommodations if needed.

This is a members-only event.
PLEASE register early as places fill up fast!
Space is limited to 40 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Register online at www.mache.org — click on the Online Registration "link" on the Home Page. A confirmation letter, location information and proposed agenda will be sent to those who register. Any questions should be sent via email to info@mache.org or telephone to 763-717-9070 or 1-866-717-9070. (For those who need to spend the night in St. Paul, the Kelly Inn (651-227-8711) is closest to the Capitol.)

2008 Legislative Training Days Session Wrap-Up

     Another successful MACHE 2008 Legislative Training Days took place on February 28^th and 29^th at the State Capitol. We were at full capacity with 44 students and parents in attendance.

     "It's all about green and yellow jackets and relationships" was the basic theme of John Tuma's Legislative Process in a Nutshell. This two-part series is always popular with the participants as John leads them through the legislative process in both bodies at the Capitol. Combined with visits to lively legislative sessions in both the House and Senate, this session gave students and parents a thorough understanding of the process through which a bill becomes a law.

     Representative Torrey Westrom and his Legislative Assistant Anna Bellin graciously agreed to host this year’s event, beginning with greeting the participants on Thursday morning. Rep. Westrom also chaired the mock committee session on Friday afternoon, complete with gavel. Both the students and parents were involved in this session, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

     Other legislators who stopped in to greet the participants were Senator Gen Olson, as well as Representatives Erik Paulsen, Sondra Erickson, and Bob Dettmer.

     The participants were given a glimpse into other careers at the Capitol, with visits from lobbyists, chaplains, and Senate Research. House Library Director Robbie LaFleur also gave the participants an overview of the Legislative website and its offerings.

     We had two volunteers helping us out again this year. Our thanks go to Stephani Liesmaki, and Cal Tuma for their eagerness to help out. Also assisting us were Kathy Lytle, LTD tour guide and David Watkins, MACHE board chairman and assistant tour guide. We couldn’t do this without them!

     Last but not least, we want to thank the participants. Each year we enjoy meeting and interacting with each student and parent. Thank you all for making this a worthwhile event!

     At the end of the day on Friday, forty-four weary but smiling students and parents left the Capitol with a clearer knowledge of the inner workings of our legislative process. We hope to see you next year at MACHE's Legislative Training Days!

Submitted by Wendy Tuma
March 2, 2008