I’m just a bill.

I’m just a bill.
Yes, I’m only a bill.
And I’m sitting here on Capitol Hill.
Well, it’s a long, long journey
To the capital city.
It’s a long, long wait
While I’m sitting in committee,
But I know I’ll be a law someday
At least I hope and pray that I will,
But today I am still just a bill.

I’m certain some of you remember School House Rock the cartoon music video for “I’m Just A Bill” that came out in 1975 as part of Schoolhouse Rock: America. Schoolhouse Rock was a memorable series of animated shorts that ran with the Saturday morning cartoons that cleverly used music to teach kids about everything from correct grammar to this ditty about how a bill becomes a law. Except, “ I’m Just A Bill” forgot the lobbyists – the good and “bad” ones and School House Rock doesn’t mention the real way bills on Capitol Hill or in Charleston come to be or be defeated.

One of the challenges of lobbying (especially this week) is the “fibs”.  I won’t name names (but if you come to visit us for citizen lobbying – I’ll be glad to dish) but your Senators and Delegates  don’t tell the full truth and nothing but the truth. #imaginethat And this week was spent simply chasing down the details for bills (SB 270 and others) that will or will not be in committee, trying to gather vote counts and waiting…. waiting…. waiting… for the House and Senate to recess. The pace of the Legislature has changed gears and I am anticipating long nights, marathon committees and a great big turn out for E-Day March 6th. Wear your green. See you there!