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During any
two-year legislative session, a Senator will consider hundreds of bills,
take votes on the Senate floor, consider the passage of new laws, attend
hundreds of meetings on government issues, assist in the development of
state budgets, and reply to constituent letters, phone calls and
inquiries. These varied and
diverse responsibilities fall under a Senator's three basic roles:
lawmaker, supervisor of government operations, and constituent
representative.
As a lawmaker, a
Senator proposes new laws or changes to existing laws.
As a government supervisor, the legislator oversees the executive
branch of government and its multi-billion dollar budget.
As a constituent representative, a Senator acts as a liaison
between district constituents and state government bureaucracy.
These three roles
are played out in various ways throughout any given day, as explained
below.
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LAWMAKER
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Works with
staff members to research the issues involved in a bill the Senator
will introduce or legislation on which the Senator will vote.
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Develops
support for, or opposition to, legislation through meetings, telephone
calls and written correspondence.
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Attends caucus
meetings and hearings to become informed on issues coming before the
Senate.
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Serves as a
member of various standing committees.
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Attends Senate
sessions, takes part in debate, and votes on business before the
Senate.
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