BOSTON — Sen. Benjamin Downing is accepting applicants seeking to attend the 72nd Citizens' Legislative Seminar, slated for March 4 and 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House.

 

The CLS is a biannual seminar that aims to educate the public on the Commonwealth's legislative process. Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, this two-day conference features presentations by senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the state. Topics will include the history and process of the legislature, the parliamentary role of the clerk of the senate and the future of the legislature.

 

The CLS culminates with a simulated legislative hearing and senate session where participants are invited to use what they have learned and participate as "senators" in the Senate Chamber in order to have a first-hand experience of the legislative process. 

 

Any resident of the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden District who is interested in participating in the CLS should send their resume to the Senator's Chief of Staff Bethann Steiner at Bethann.Steiner@masenate.gov by noon on Thursday, Jan. 16. Downing will nominate participants to attend on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must be able to attend both days of the program in order to be nominated.