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In a recent Clarion poll a responder noted that it is very hard for "the average person to get information about what is going on in Juneau during the legislative session."

May I introduce you to the Legislative Information Office where our mission is "To provide Alaskans with the objective information they need to make informed decisions about public policy choices confronting the legislature and to provide legislators open lines of communication with Alaskans."

The LIOS came into being in 1972 and now count 22 offices across the state, a one stop shop for constituents to find out the issues facing the Legislature, are educated on the process and able to participate via teleconference in committee hearings to express their concerns and ideas for improvement.

The LIO staff can help you track bills of interest as they progress through the legislative bodies. You can sign up on our email notification tree, fax tree or we'll show you how to track bills yourself via the Legislature's website where committee minutes, back up materials and House and Senate Journals can also be accessed. This is only a small part of the information that is available at the LIO and through the website.

The Legislature, through the Legislative Affairs Agency, has made it very easy for "the average person" to be connected to session in Juneau. My personal mission is to make sure no one feels isolated and disconnected from the State Legislature. Please call us at 283-2030 or visit our Kenai office, 145 Main Street Loop, Suite 217 (old Kenai court house). We're happy to assist you.

Alyson Stogsdill

Kenai Legislative Information Officer