INTERNS GET INSIGHT INTO LEGISLATURE

Four Southeast Missouri State University students say they have new insights about government and politics after serving a semester in Jefferson City as legislative interns.

"`How a Bill Becomes Law' is not how it works," observed Barbie Macke of Gordonville, in reference to a single-page flier handed out to visitors and students that describes the legislative process.

The interns discovered that there is much more to the process than a simple chart; that the legislative process is a complex one, requiring much compromise, as legislators try to mold together the different views of the people they are elected to represent.

"This has really opened up my eyes. I have learned a lot," said Karen Price of Florissant.

Macke spent the session working with Rep. Joe Driskill, D-Poplar Bluff, and Price worked with Rep. Paula Carter, D-St. Louis. The other interns from Southeast were Deidre Jewel of Cape Girardeau, who worked with Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, and Sam Cartwright of Bloomfield, who served with Rep. Mark Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff.

This is the second year Southeast has had legislative interns. Many universities, however, have had an internship program for years in Jefferson City.

Southeast students earn 12 hours of credit during the semester and are given an allowance to help cover rent expenses.

All four were assigned a variety of duties by their legislators, ranging from handling constituent problems to researching legislation, and sitting in for them at committee hearings.

Price, who will also be an intern this summer in Washington for the Democratic National Committee, said she began her internship anticipating workdays lasting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Instead, she and the other interns found that workdays ran well into the evening because of committee hearings, meetings, constituent contacts, and an endless number of receptions.

"You can fill up a whole calendar just on receptions," said Price. "The day never ends; it starts by 8:30 a.m. and is often still going at 11:30 at night."

Overall, Price said she had anticipated the legislature "would be more organized."

Jewel said she thinks legislators have a tendency to put too many things off. "If they would work as hard on getting things done the way they do the last two weeks, it is hard to imagine what they could get done here," she observed.

Jewel was also surprised by the amount of mail and calls representatives receive from constituents.

"I always heard people (were) urged to contact their representative about things, but I never thought they really did, but they do," said Jewel. "For some people you have to work through the whole session on their problems."

Cartwright said he was surprised by the amount of research involved, and the endless demands for their time.

"Even when Mark (Richardson) goes home he has to work on problems and legislation; you don't have a lot of free time."

Macke said she was amazed at how quickly state agencies work with legislators to solve problems. She also was surprised by all the time it takes on research and the fact it takes several years to get some bills through the legislative process.

Jewel noted that it appeared to her as though representatives were rude on the House floor, not paying attention, and unaware of what was being considered. But to her surprise: "They really do know what's going on.

"I'm amazed at how much outside work goes into doing their job. You have to be an expert on everything."

Price found out that a lack of money really is a major problem facing state government. "I just thought money was an excuse people were using not to fund programs. But money does have a big effect on legislation," said Price. "I realize we don't have enough money to work with."

The four interns agreed that the legislative process is not as fast as it could be. But Jewel pointed out, "The slowness has a way of prioritizing things."

Cartwright added, "It is good to go slow to prevent screw-ups."

Jewel noted that the process often gets bogged down because the House and Senate do not always work well together.

She said partisan differences are not always a big factor. Your rank within the party also has some impact, she said.

Cartwright said lawmakers from the same area work together on problems, regardless of party affiliation. He pointed out that Driskill and Richardson are frequently conferring on bills and problems.

Price said she was surprised by the power of the speaker. "If you are in good with the speaker, you can get things done," she remarked.

"I think the system could work a lot better up here," said Price.

But she agreed with Jewel's assessment: "It's not good, but it's the best system there is."

Since Driskill is chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee, Macke said she received a good education on tax abatements and economic development issues. Driskill also relied on Macke to do research on issues, and often to verify information given to him from lobbyists and interest groups.

"I've done more research this semester than I ever did in college," said Macke. "Joe likes to know what he is talking about before he brings something up. He also likes to anticipate what questions will be asked so he can be prepared."

Cartwright said Richardson had him handling a variety of constituent problems and researching the content of bills.

Jewel has written most of Thomason's press releases, has helped respond to letters from constituents, and monitored the progress of bills.

"I respect Larry as a person and as a legislator," said Jewel.

Price said she has done "a little bit of everything. "She (Rep. Carter) has tried to broaden my experience up here," said Price. "I call Rep. Carter my second mother; she has taught me a lot. I've had a lot of good experiences."

While all four regard their intern experience as beneficial and something that will help them in their future careers, they do not have a burning desire to return to Jefferson City anytime soon as members of the Missouri House.

Although they don't rule it out, for now, they have other career interests.

Macke, who graduated this month from Southeast, hopes to be back in the capital next year, but as a lobbyist. "I want to lobby and am trying to get on with a lobbyist group for next session," said Macke.

Her father, Cape County Auditor H. Weldon Macke, has been active for years in the Missouri Association of Counties working on behalf of issues of importance to county government. Barbie Macke has helped some in those efforts, and that experience, combined with her internship, has given here a clear view of her future career.

Jewel, who also graduated this month, plans to start law school in the fall. After completing law school, she hopes to stay in Jefferson City, working in the prosecutor's office or in the attorney general's office.

Cartwright will graduate in December and hopes to find a job on the House staff for a year or so before entering law school.

Macke, Jewel, and Cartwright are political science majors. Price is majoring in marketing.

Price plans to graduate in December and will eventually go to law school. "I wanted to get a feel for politics," said Price. "Knowing about politics will help out a lot in my future career."

All four agreed that the internship was "a two-way street," which benefited them as students, while also assisting representatives with their legislative duties.