No joke: Hooiser politics provide excitement, chance to be involved in legislation
By: Anthony Baratta
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Features
Who really cares about the Indiana legislature? As many DePauw students prepare for rush skits, bid night, and an Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl game, the last thing I should write about is boring Hoosier politics. People would rather listen to a mix tape of long nails scratching against a blackboard and a broken car alarm, right?
Well, I don't think so. I'd like to argue there are (at least) three important reasons for you to care about the Indiana legislature, even if you are not from Indiana.
1. State legislators matter. As you already know, every American citizen is represented by one member of the U.S. House and two members of the U.S. Senate. What you might not know is that here in Indiana (as in most states) you also have a state representative and a state senator. Don't know who yours is? Not many people do. In many areas, though, these people make decisions that more directly affect your life than the federal politicians. This year, the Indiana legislature is considering whether to encourage homes and businesses to produce renewable energy, the standard of energy efficiency government buildings should meet, limits on property taxes, an amendment against gay marriage, a ban on texting while driving and more.
2. Young people are underrepresented. I have spent the last two Winter Terms at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Apart from DePauw students, I have seen zero college students come to the Statehouse to talk to their legislators about any issues concerning them. In the same period, I have seen dozens of middle-aged professionals and retirees crowd around their representative or senators, asking them to address their concerns. Not to mention the dozens of paid lobbyists with deep pockets for expensive meals any night of the week.
3. You can make a difference. No, really. The Indiana General Assembly is a part-time legislature, where the elected representatives have jobs in the private sector, small offices and few staff members. Any member of the general public is free to attend a committee hearing and sign up to speak on a bill.
Well, I don't think so. I'd like to argue there are (at least) three important reasons for you to care about the Indiana legislature, even if you are not from Indiana.
1. State legislators matter. As you already know, every American citizen is represented by one member of the U.S. House and two members of the U.S. Senate. What you might not know is that here in Indiana (as in most states) you also have a state representative and a state senator. Don't know who yours is? Not many people do. In many areas, though, these people make decisions that more directly affect your life than the federal politicians. This year, the Indiana legislature is considering whether to encourage homes and businesses to produce renewable energy, the standard of energy efficiency government buildings should meet, limits on property taxes, an amendment against gay marriage, a ban on texting while driving and more.
2. Young people are underrepresented. I have spent the last two Winter Terms at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Apart from DePauw students, I have seen zero college students come to the Statehouse to talk to their legislators about any issues concerning them. In the same period, I have seen dozens of middle-aged professionals and retirees crowd around their representative or senators, asking them to address their concerns. Not to mention the dozens of paid lobbyists with deep pockets for expensive meals any night of the week.
3. You can make a difference. No, really. The Indiana General Assembly is a part-time legislature, where the elected representatives have jobs in the private sector, small offices and few staff members. Any member of the general public is free to attend a committee hearing and sign up to speak on a bill.
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