Becoming a Legislator

Government laws need to be developed and passed from time to time. Legislators are those government officials who create and pass laws for a variety of purposes. These laws are created at different levels including the local level, state level and federal level. The major responsibility of legislators is to set up rules and regulations, government policies and create laws. These professionals hold their job position after being appointed or elected. Formulating new legislation is not an easy task. In fact, it requires comprehensive study done by legislators regarding various issues. There are supporting individuals while legislators conduct their research using multiple sources. Preparation of bills and amendment is also done on the request of legislators.

In order to gain support for their proposals, legislators also make use of promotional methods. Before developing laws and government policies, legislators have the responsibility to actually identify the requirement for new legislation. These professionals also show their activeness by participating in party caucuses. Apart from this, legislators are also responsible for responding to correspondence from constituents and other members of the government and officials. Often times, legislators function as the liaison among the federal agencies, state agencies and district agencies. These professionals also spend their time communicating with organizations relating to legislation.

Besides speaking at legislation related organizations, legislators also remain in close touch with committees that have a keen interest in legislation and legislative procedures. Becoming a legislator does not mean you are going to hold only one particular position. In fact, a legislator can function and perform their role as a county commissioner, council member, state senators and representatives.

Educational Requirement & Training
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to function as a legislator. Besides being equipped with a bachelor’s degree, legislators should also fulfill other eligibility criteria including their age, residency and citizenship. Legislators obtain their position after being selected by voters. Therefore, these professionals endeavor to gain local support by participating in community programs and services. To make the most of their career, candidates need to keep them abreast of the state laws, rules, regulations and policies. These professionals are active participant at debates, hearings and committee meetings.

Career Prospects
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for legislator positions will experience little or no change between the years 2006 and 2016. Job market for legislation positions may vary from one state or region to another. More jobs are expected in this field also due to the reason that a good number of legislators have reached their age of retirement or leave the field for their own reasons.

Annual Salary
The average salary of a legislator is $39,000 per year. Annual salaries of legislators vary depending on the work location, years of experience, industry, employer etc. With growing experience and skills, legislators earn a higher salary and other additional benefits.