Helping Constituents

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Helping Constituents
Somebody please help me....I think the laws gone
CRAZY!!!
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I. Handling Problems
A. Like talk show hosts, lawmakers must deal with
their constituents problems and needs involving
government.
What can I do to help you? Need a new park in
your town? Let me fix your life!!!
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B. Lawmakers spend a lot of time helping voters
so they can get re-elected.
Remember, I cant help you unless you vote me
into office.
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• Caseworkers on lawmakers staffs help them
• deal with voters requests for help.

You have to get through us before you can get to
the lawmakers!
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Examples of Casework

• Young couple seeks loan from the Small Business
  Administration and is encountering many problems
• U.S. citizen seeks a green card for a relative
  from a foreign country
• Constituent writes to congressperson regarding
  the loss of medical benefits of a Vietnam veteran.

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II. Helping the District or State

• Through federal grants and contracts, lawmakers
  bring jobs and money to their state.

Our life was so hard before the new factory
opened up! All 7 of my kin got jobs
there. Thank you congressman!
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B. A lawmaker that can bring home the
bacon is one that brings economic strength
to the district or state
C. Logrolling is the act of supporting bills
that bring more money to your state
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Examples of Helping Districts and States

• Texas lawmakers were successful in locating a
  NASA Manned Space Center in Houston
• Members from regions with large urban centers
  support programs like Headstart and Aid to
  Families

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How much of their time should members of
congress spend handling the problems of their
constituents?
Doh! Not all of my problems have been solved!
Well folks, it looks like our hour is upjoin us
next time!