Kelley: Southwest Missouri's Legislative Interns

Southwest Missouri legislators and interns recently took a break from their duties to pose for a picture in the State Capitol. Interns assist the state representatives in areas such as constituent services, bill reading, committee hearings, and running errands.

Interns have long played an important part of the workings of the legislature. It is an opportunity for them to gain experience while having a front row seat to a live civics lesson. At the same time, they are providing a valuable service to legislators and constituents. For many people who call their representative, an intern is their first contact in the office. The impression made by the intern is their first impression of state government.

Many interns have continued on to have careers in various areas of the public service arena. Many legislators, lobbyists, and staff got their first taste of the political world as interns. Both the Chief Clerk of the House and the Senate Administrator served as interns.

Many colleges and universities establish an intern program as part of their political science department. The interns assisting area legislators are from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. Following the tradition of athletic departments, a signing ceremony was held for the interns chosen to participate in this year’s program.



Of the six House interns from MSSU three are residents district 126. Taylor Haas my intern, Michael Alden and Ben Harrison.



Until my next update, I am, and remain, in your service.