Post 4: Lansing State Capitol

The beginning of this month marked the last days of busy work in Lansing before the representatives moved focus to campaigning in their districts.  Making the hour drive to Lansing in the pouring rain for three consecutive weeks was not fun, but I found myself more engaged in constituent work than I have in the past.  I finally got to work on someone's case, being that they actually answered the phone when I called to get information (woo!).  This women's particular problem was one that the office commonly receives, having to do with the reapplication for food stamps and communication with the Department of Health Services.  A lot of times, the constituent says that they never received any forms or deadlines for reapplication, and end up missing their date to apply for food in the upcoming month.  This women's application was late, therefore her food stamps were prorated.  At the close of the case, all I could do was tell the women why her stamps were prorated, how much she was going to receive the next month, and inform her to keep a strict filing system of everything she receives from her case worker in order to make a validated claim.

In comparison to my initial observations, my current perspective of Lansing is that it isn't as much of a high-stress environment as I imagined it would be.  If you watch session taking place, everything is structured and predetermined.  However, working in the office, the pace is much more relaxed and you are free to prioritize and set your own goals.  For example, my supervisor Tim has been filling out questionnaires in order to gain campaign endorsements.  Every week, he tells me which questionnaires he intends to finish and submit and makes it clear that he follows an agenda he set for himself.  Although the legislative assistants are expected to work in a timely and efficient manner, they often work as a team and even collaborate with other representatives' assistants to get a job done.  

However, one thing still remains certain: you usually, if not always, work within party lines.  Welcome to politics.

Scott, the other legislative assistant, talking to a constituent

Me hating Microsoft Outlook because it wouldn't load

View of the Capitol building from Rep. Smiley's office