Legislative Review, a Former Staffer Prospective

Warning this may sound like my post is Meant to for me to Vent…But, do not be misunderstood! I have the utmost respect for Several Legislators, Many State Leaders, both current, and retired; both Democrat, and Republican! IF that weren’t the case, I wouldn’t have held our wedding in the State Capitol building! So to make this post, fun, I’ve included some wedding pictures throughout! 
When I worked FOR THE LEGISLATURE, I had No voice! I was required to be non-partisan; and frankly, I’m fine with that! Unfortunately, I was also given No room for an opinion. At that time, I understood, I had to do my job. Yet, still, I would cringe when certain bills would come across my desk. Thankfully, most were “put to the side” – and “studied” as, they were too controversial to Our Citizens or Our State!  I still, Do Not identify with either party, as I worked 9 years, for Both Sides. However, a few bills this year, I just can’t get behind, as I know they hit too close to home! So heres a small look into my former job, and my thoughts on this years Session. 

I posted yesterday on Facebook about how proud I was of my Mother! Her school, and the District are working Very hard, every day! Just like So many others. But what you may not know, is the real reason behind my post, is not just to praise my Mom – but I know firsthand, from my former job, what those scores really mean to Schools! A few years ago, a bill was passed that actually “Grades” Districts – and some now, are given a bad reputation as a result. But the grading system was not implemented to look at Schools on a varying range, as we hoped, but rather a few tests (I’d have to dig deeper to really explain!)

In my former job, it was a requirement to ask an array of people: what worked, and what didn’t. I strongly believe, that those individuals (teachers, skilled laborers, business owners, or even the janitor in some cases) that are the “boots on the ground” are the best individuals to seek advice!  The person with the highest rank, and lowest, were given a voice. My office, when given the privilege, studied most bills (which I’m referring to below,) before having them fly through the Halls of the Capitol!  Which is why this year, I personally feel like those voices (our voices) are not being heard. 

1. Did you know I have an accounting degree? I see finances and balance as “A Big Deal”! We cannot afford to lose money, as the State! We have worked too hard, to create a “Balanced” budget. Too many bills this year “reduce” something.  *I’m okay with looking into various areas to re-structure…or even reduction of taxes. But I actually worked on THE Financials and sent them to Legislators every month! I sent an entire account of our income, and expenses, yet most, didn’t inquire about them! But as an accountant, I’m interested to know, where you plan to get that money back that you cut this year. *A secret, I could probably tell someone, several ways to reduce spending, but not cut a few necessary items that are going to turn around and bite you in the….  My Dad firsthand will be affected by a few of these bills!
   
2. We cannot lose our Small Business! I’m extremely passionate about small business, as it is a Dream of mine, to own one someday! My Hometown is a “product” of Big Business, unfortunately. While there are two in town, that create jobs for so many, another makes a reduction in those. We no longer have a “thriving” Main Street, like the one I remember as a child. Don’t get me wrong, Nashville is thriving! I miss it every day! But those who live there, know what I mean -its not the same! I remember going to the grocery store, and a few gift stores in Nashville as a little girl — that’s where you shopped!… Now, those are gone. And, personally, it’s Very, very, disheartening to go home, and know the only place to shop is, basically ONE Store.
   My Hometown – Main street meant SO much to me, I had my engagement photos in the middle of it! (And I’m wearing Scrapper Orange, to pay my respect!) Which is why I Only shop local here in Little Rock! So, a few bills this year affect several friends. As they are business owners that I see daily. And I know, I strive to be in their shoes one day. 
3. Per above, You don’t even want me to get started on Education!! I’m sure you see, I’m very passionate, because of my Mom. But did you know,  it was my sole responsibility to be immersed into this topic Every Day of my career for the State? I audited School Districts. I wrote Legislation on their behalf. I studied it with my whole heart.  I know the Department is doing the best they can! The Districts are too! I assure you, you might need to ask someone who is IN IT, everyday – whats best before you start making changes *in the wrong direction!  This topic, not only affects me, but also, my Mother. 
4. And Finally, My rights are mine (Sir) Not yours. I hope you understand, I am a woman – YOU are not. If you read between the lines, I think you know what I’m referring to. While I have never been faced with a decision in this area… I do believe, my decision is between God, my husband, and my doctor. You let Me decide My rights. As a woman, with the struggle of what to do about children, period, its personal. I am personally affected. 

While the 4 or 5 bills I am aware of, may not be ones you care about, or are even aware of… I know the voices of so many are not being heard. I cannot speak to Politics outside the “State” as I have never seen those work firsthand. But I will say, Too many bills this year -are hitting Way too close to home. Too Close.  And, I understand if you read this far, I may offend, or make someone mad! But, I am given the right to have a voice now. And, as I laugh, I will probably Never get another job at the State again… Which is sad, since I’m currently on the job hunt…  But I assure you One of these bills affects You, your Children, a Friend, or a Family member too!  Or maybe even your hometown! So be aware of politics, whether you love them – or hate them, they change your life! And on a lighter note, I’ve seen so many bills work for the Good of others. A girl from my hometown, spoke several years ago, she was brave! She testified, and it worked! She was passionate, because what she had to say, would change the lives of so many others! And it did. It still does! So be cognizant of the change, or the areas that NEED to Change! Please – talk to those boots on the ground folks, about how these changes affect all of Us, before they are made! And just remember – you do have a voice! To someone, your opinion does matter!