My newfound appreciation for state government
Let’s face it. Politics has become exhausting. Decisions are being handed down from Washington, D.C. by people who don’t understand us. We’re at each other's throats — yet it often seems we’re powerless, unable to cause change.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no hater of politics. If anything, I sometimes consider myself a bit of a political junkie, but reading the news every day can get distressing.
In times like these, I’m thankful for the opportunities Augustana has given me, especially the legislative leadership experience led by the Augustana Democrats. Over interim break, we took a three-day trip to the South Dakota state capitol to experience the legislative branch firsthand.
The trip was exactly what I needed: a nice change of pace after J-term and a reminder of what lies beyond the national headlines and celebrity politicians.
National politics can be so divisive and crazy that it’s a good idea to focus on state politics. Here, things are not only less divisive, but your voice can actually be heard.
The bigwigs in Washington don’t know what it’s like to be you or me. Were many of them your average Joe at some point? Sure. But it seems that every national politician in office has forgotten what it’s like to be an average citizen. They don’t always know how their legislation affects us.
I didn’t get that feeling with the local politicians in Pierre. I sat in on bill hearings, and the state legislators would talk about their past experiences, as farmers, teachers or first responders. It seemed to me that some of the people making decisions, while they didn’t know me, could actually understand what my life was like.
During our time, we had meetings with several Democratic lawmakers in the state. With such a small minority in South Dakota, some of us thought it would be hard for them to get anything done, but they keyed us into the magic at work.
Not only does the South Dakota legislature operate with Democrats and Republicans, but the Republicans have a more conservative wing called the Freedom Party. Because of this, compromise between groups is even more important to secure a majority, ensuring cooperation.
The legislation also felt closer to home. I remember hearing a bill about adding a nasal spray option for epinephrine to schools, adding another recourse for severe allergic reactions. While most topics you see floating around the news are controversial, this seemed like a no-brainer with pure intentions.
In addition to discussing relatable issues, state and local governments can be more accessible than at the federal level. If you have an idea for a bill, all you have to do is talk to a legislator about it, and it’s possible they’ll draft it up. When the bill is heard in a committee, you’ll be able to go in and testify to give your support for the bill, one that could benefit many people now and in the future.
Before this trip, I had become a bit disillusioned with politics because of how divisive and detached it can feel. Through this experience, however, I was able to see how state politics felt less polarizing, and I felt like I had more potential to make my voice heard.
