May 14, 2009  — A Legislative Learning Experience

by Jill K. Thompson, Associate, Orth-Rodgers & Associates, Inc.

Once again this year, people from professional engineering organizations from around the State came together to pay visits to their Representatives and Senators regarding engineering issues that affect our companies and how we do business.

I was not a stranger to this sort of process, having just experienced it a few weeks ago in Washington, DC, where I joined a host of others for a National Day on the Hill representing the American Council of Engineering Companies.

On this day however, I was in my own State, representing the American Council of Engineering Companies/Pennsylvania. I joined my COO, Steve Bolt, Dr. Rodney Plourde of McMahon Associates and several of my colleagues as we paid visits to our Representatives.

There were four main issues to discuss which included the MATHCOUNTS program, the Continuing Education program for Engineers, the Qualifications Based Selection Process, and most importantly, Transportation Funding.

Our last visit of the day was with Representative Duane Milne. I had never met Representative Milne before, but he listened intently as Steve went thru all of our issues. Our visit with him lasted about 30 minutes. Once we finished, The Representative was kind enough to offer us a brief tour of the Capitol Complex before taking us to sit in the visitors’ gallery in the House Chamber while the House was in Session!

I had witnessed House sessions on television a few times, but I had never before experienced it in real life. It is quite different to sit and listen and watch the votes taking place real time, and the resolutions being presented, and the Speaker pounding his gavel to maintain order.

We sat for the better part of an hour watching all the action on the House floor. We listened to testimony for several resolutions, including HR310 , which was a resolution honoring the life and expressing condolences on the death of Harry Kalas, the Philadelphia Phillies announcer who passed recently. Several of the members on the House floor that day wore a Phillies ball cap.

While all of this was incredibly interesting to experience, I think the biggest thrill was the passion in which Representative Milne expressed for the Legislative Process he represents for the State of Pennsylvania. He spoke fondly of being a native Pennsylvanian, how much this State has to offer, and how much he enjoys being able to serve as a Representative.

It was refreshing to hear such positive things about our Legislature, who too often is to blame for much of what’s wrong in our State. Steve, Rodney and I all wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Representative Milne for taking the time out of his schedule to provide us with such personal service, and for sharing his own feelings about this wonderful State that we live in. Thank you Representative!