Senator Lewis Seeks Applicants for Citizens’ Legislative Seminar in October

BOSTON — Senator Jason Lewis announced that he is seeking nominees to participate in the 81^st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS) to be held October 23 and October 24 at the State House in Boston.  CLS is a semi-annual educational seminar geared towards adults of all ages interested in learning more about state government and the legislative process.

“Civic engagement and education have never been more important than they are today,” said Senator Jason Lewis, who recently celebrated the passage of a major civics education bill in the State Legislature. “When community members educate themselves about government and get involved, it makes our towns, cities and state better places to live, work, and participate in community life.”

Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, Boston, the two-day seminar features engaging presentations by Senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the Commonwealth. Topics will include the history and process of the Legislature, the State Budget, the parliamentary role of the Clerk of the Senate and the future of the Legislature. The Seminar will walk participants through the legislative process including how bills are introduced, debated, and passed.

The Citizens’ Legislative Seminar is part of the Massachusetts Senate’s ongoing effort to increase civic engagement and open up the democratic process. It’s the perfect chance to come and gain an insider’s perspective from elected officials and staff on how the legislature works.

The CLS culminates with a simulated legislative hearing and Senate session where participants are invited to use what they have learned and participate as “Senators” in the Senate Chamber in order to have a first-hand experience of the legislative process.

Interested residents of the 5^th Middlesex District— Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester— are invited to contact Senator Lewis’s office to register their interest, by phone at (617) 722-1206 and by email at Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov. The deadline to be nominated by Senator Lewis is Wednesday, September 5. Seats are limited and nominations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis.