New session brings new opportunities

New session brings new opportunities

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson As we begin another session, I look forward to including our young people in the legislative process as Pages. It is important that we foster an appreciation for public service in the next generation of voters.

In order for our democracy to function properly, we need informed citizens.

When the average citizen knows how government operates and stays informed about the work before them, it ensures freedom for everyone.

The House provides an incredible opportunity to teach young people how our state legislature operates through our page program.

Pages assist us in a variety of ways. Sometimes we need them to bring us a copy of a bill or provide us with a copy of the last vote count. They also have a rare opportunity to be on the House floor which is reserved for members of the legislature. Sometimes they are needed to deliver a message to the Senate.

Pages run errands that are essential to our overall operation. In return they get an up-close look at the law making process.

We each get an opportunity to sponsor pages. Once the pages arrive at the Capitol, they then work for all 100 of us.

A typical day for a page starts with a tour of the House and the Capitol and an education about the legislative process and how a bill is made into law.

Before lunch, pages have their photos taken with the Governor. I also have photographs taken with every page I sponsor.

Then at 1:30 p.m., the work begins.

We have staff who make sure pages know where to go and what to do during session.

Students must have their own transportation to and from the Capitol in Little Rock on the day they are working. Pages must check in at 9:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. The work day ends around 3 p.m.

In order to be a House Page, you have to be selected by your Representative or Senator. Each Representative can select 10 pages. Pages are required to wear dress clothes. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.

Many people in public service today look back fondly at the days they served as a page. For many, it was the moment they realized they had a calling for public service.

If you or someone you know is interested in working as a page this session they can speak to their high school counselor or email me a resume at dferguson@ arkansashouse.org.