Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) announced this week  that the Massachusetts Senate is seeking nominees to participate in the 75th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS), which will take place October 20 and 21 at the State House. CLS is a semi-annual educational seminar geared towards adults of all ages interested in learning more about state government and the legislative process.

“Understanding the role of the legislature and how laws are made in Massachusetts is important knowledge to have,” said Senator Jehlen. “The Citizen’s Legislative Seminar is a unique opportunity for interested citizens to really observe and participate in the process.”

Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, the two-day seminar features engaging presentations by Senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the Commonwealth. 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 Seminar will walk participants through the legislative process including how bills are introduced, debated, and passed.

“The Citizens’ Legislative Seminar is part of the Massachusetts Senate’s ongoing effort to increase civic engagement and open up the democratic process. It’s the perfect chance to come and gain an insider’s perspective from elected officials and staff on how the legislature works,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “This is an excellent learning experience and I encourage those interested to contact their senator.”

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.

All interested residents in the 2^nd Middlesex District, including the communities of Somerville, Medford, Wards 9 to 11 in Cambridge, and precincts 4 to 7 in Winchester, are invited to contact Senator Jehlen’s office at (617) 722-1578 by Monday, September 21st to request to be nominated by Senator Jehlen. Seats are limited and nominations are taken on a first come, first served basis. More information about the program is available on the Legislature’s website at https://malegislature.gov/Engage/EducationalOpportunities/CitizensLegislativeSeminar.