Weeks packed with business
The word “typical” implies that something fits into a pattern, and talking about a typical week in the life of a legislator is a bit difficult because each week has its own uniqueness. However, I thought it might be worth a try to describe how a typical week goes for me.
Last week began with a visit of all the House Democrats with Gov. Butch Otter in his office. It was mostly pleasantries – a sort of getting-to-know- you visit. Then, as is true every day, I had a 9 a.m. Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting. Following that meeting is a time to study legislation, work on e-mails, interact with other legislators, read the mail and news, meet with visitors or attend other meetings.
Floor sessions have started at 11:15 a.m. and have been short, over by noon. Often there are lunches to attend with various groups. Sometimes these are merely social and other times informative. In the afternoons are more committee meetings: for me, the Resources and Conservation Committee, which can last half an hour or several hours. There will be other meetings to work on legislation, meetings with individuals or lobbyists, party caucus meetings, or special events in the Capitol to attend, such as a recent ceremony honoring a Boise legislator for her work on substance abuse.
There is always more e-mail to do, reading and research, phone calls, writing columns, etc., that fills in any spare moments during the day. My evenings are usually filled with receptions or dinners, or both, and more reading and preparation for the next legislative day.
On Fridays I travel to the Boise airport, where I am joined by fellow legislators traveling home for the weekend. There is usually at least one meeting to go to on Saturdays, and most likely more reading and studying of legislation over the weekend. Sunday evening it’s time to return to Boise. The following week will have different issues, different events, different people or groups to deal with. The cycle will repeat for 12 to 14 weeks. It is a fascinating and sometimes frustrating process, but one that I and most other legislators willingly undertake.
And to my wife, a belated Valentine’s Day!