State League Studies Legislature Effectiveness

The LWVAL is studying the effectiveness of the Alabama Legislature in dealing with statewide issues and its openness and responsiveness to all Alabamians. Mary Lynn Bates is local chair of the study. Members are collecting information and conducting interviews on

• The Legislature’s management of the budget process
• How the structure and functioning of the two houses affect the Legislature’s ability to address needs of the state
• Legislative practices that affect the Legislature’s openness and responsiveness to all Alabamians

Preliminary information will be presented to League members in a January meeting. This will be the time to familiarize ourselves with the topic in preparation for taking consensus later in the year. Additional study and consensus materials will be available to local Leagues in the fall of 2005.