One of the things that we can all agree upon, whether Democrat or Republican, is the need to keep a watchful eye upon our elected representatives. Until the advent of the internet, constituents relied on the print media to get the bulk of their information from the legislature.
An important resource that many people throughout the state may have overlooked is the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services website.
An important resource that many people throughout the state may have overlooked is the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services website.
The mission of House Public Information Services is to provide credible and timely nonpartisan services that inform the general public of legislative actions, educate the public about the legislative process and encourage public participation in the Minnesota Legislature.
Among other things on the site, you can find Session Daily and Session Weekly. As these are nonpartisan publications, they can be used by anyone to get the spin free version of happenings in the legislature.
One of the most important tools found on this site is the live video feed of the legislature as well as the video archives. For example, today the DFL held a press conference to discuss the veto override of the Transportation Bill. I was able to download the press conference and view a triumphant moment from the comfort of my couch.
In fact, here it is:
The only issue I have with this service is that it only uses Windows Media Player for its videos. As a Mac user I am forced to download extra software just to view the archives from the legislature. Additionally, as a blogger I try to add informative video to this page through my youtube site. The addition of a Quicktime option on this site would allow for easy transfer and distribution of legislative activities and press conferences.
One of the most important tools found on this site is the live video feed of the legislature as well as the video archives. For example, today the DFL held a press conference to discuss the veto override of the Transportation Bill. I was able to download the press conference and view a triumphant moment from the comfort of my couch.
In fact, here it is:
The only issue I have with this service is that it only uses Windows Media Player for its videos. As a Mac user I am forced to download extra software just to view the archives from the legislature. Additionally, as a blogger I try to add informative video to this page through my youtube site. The addition of a Quicktime option on this site would allow for easy transfer and distribution of legislative activities and press conferences.
