Are Committees Worthy to have up at the Legislature?

   I almost think we should do away with committees in our legislature. They have their faults: One, They slow up the process. Everything has to ride before a committee before it can be considered by the whole body. 

  Two, They accommodate lobbyists. It is in the committee meetings where the public is allowed to participate. Now, that is wonderful, in and of itself. But, public comment mostly translates into lobbyist involvement. I would not be surprised if the good number of our bills originate from the lobbyists. Committee meetings, then, become the place where the lobbyists come in and make their pitch.

   I am not against everyone having a voice, however. It doesn't matter if you are a lobbyist, you should be allowed a voice. How then to handle it? Whether we have committee meetings or not, the bills should be advertised to those who are interested in the topics. Whether you are a special interest group, or just a citizen, you should be able to get on email lists notifying you of the proposed legislation. Already, there is such a list -- I know, as I have received the emails -- but I think the process should be improved on. I consider on how in 2019, a resolution favoring natural gas won unanimous approval from the legislature. Had those most concerned about climate change have been aware, it seems some would have warned the legislators that natural gas still pours carbon dioxide into the air, even if it isn't as much. And, it seems someone would have informed the legislators that the primary component in natural gas is methane, which traps heat in the air 80-90 times more than carbon dioxide.

  If we are to continue committees, we should find a way to involve the public more, not just the special interest groups. Rather, it would be wonderful if members of the public, even when unaffiliated with special interest groups, studied the issues so much they were experts. Involving such people in the policy-making decisions of our state would be wonderful. Indeed, involving the public more would be wonderful even if they were not experts, and not doing a lot of study.

(Index -- Climate change info)