Christine Palm

Sound public policy cannot be made in a vacuum, so getting ideas and criticism from residents is a necessary part of the legislative process. That’s why earlier this spring I sent a survey to all my constituents in the 36th General Assembly District. More than 100 people responded (both online and through the mail) and I want to express my deep appreciation for this wonderful show of civic engagement.

As the Legislative session heats up, I want to bring you up to date on the bills I am most involved in on behalf of our community. The subjects range from Aquatic Invasive Plants to End-of-Life Compassionate Care to support for non-profits.

Please be aware that in a short session (held in the even-numbered years) individual legislators rarely get to raise their own bills; rather, the legislative committees having jurisdiction over particular concepts or subjects must raise an individual legislator’s bill as a “committee bill.”

Whether or not to confront racism as part of the full story of American History has caused division within our community and in communities across the state. I would ask all of us to reflect on the importance of not turning a blind eye to our past, even as we celebrate the many remarkable achievements of people of color.