Senate President Spilka Hosts Constituents for 82nd Citizens' Legislative Seminar at State House

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) announced today that she is hosting six constituents at the 82nd Citizens' Legislative Seminar (CLS) at the State House on Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"The Citizens’ Legislative Seminar is a powerful tool for people to participate firsthand in our democracy” said Senate President Spilka. “This is a great way for residents across MetroWest and the Commonwealth to learn more about how our government operates and make sure residents are actively engaged in the legislative process.”
The following is a list of Senate President Spilka’s constituents participating in CLS:
· Stephanie Deeley, Framingham, President of Framingham League of Women Voters
· Darlene Hayes, Hopkinton, Membership Director for WICN (Worcester)
· Cathy Miles, Framingham, Founder of Framingham FORCE, a new nonprofit focusing on the opioid crisis
· Amanda Molina Dumas, Millbury, Assistant Town Planner for the Town of Ashland
· Athena Pandolf, Natick, Executive Director, Natick Center Cultural District
· Beth Reynolds, Ashland, Economic Development Director for the Town of Ashland
CLS is a citizen workshop that aims to better educate the public on the Commonwealth’s legislative process. Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, this two-day workshop features presentations by Senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the Commonwealth. Topics include the history and process of the Legislature, the parliamentary role of the Clerk of the Senate and the future of the Legislature.
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.