Legislator in Residence Program Coming to MCCC

Community members can get a taste of what Montgomery County Community College students experience in their American National Government and American State and Local Government courses each semester.

MCCC's Legislator in Residence program begins this spring with a public panel discussion on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in MCCC’s Science Center Theater, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. 

College President Dr. Karen Stout will facilitate the discussion between Pennsylvania Representatives Madeline Dean, Kate Harper and Marcy Toepel, who will share their experiences as female members of the state Legislature. The event is free and is open to the public. 

In Fall 2012, MCCC Assistant Professor of Political Science Jodi Empol-Schwartz and Executive Director of Government Relations Peggy Lee-Clark developed the Legislator in Residence program in an effort to make the political process come to life for students.

The program brings Pennsylvania legislators and their staff members into six classes each semester to explain, from a first-person perspective, the concepts and information students read in their textbooks. The specific topics vary each semester; some topics from the fall included committee work, being a newly-elected legislator, working with constituents, and the difference between campaigning and governing, to name a few.

Prior to the guest lectures, students are required to research each legislator and develop questions.

"The students spend time outside of the classroom researching the guest speakers so that they can engage in a well-rounded discussion. The legislators do their homework, too; they take the role of instructor seriously and come well prepared," said Empol-Schwartz.

"The students can’t ask anything that can be found on the legislators’ websites or in their bios. I want them to research actual legislation. I encourage them to follow the legislators on Twitter and Facebook, and I provide them with links to tools like the General Assembly bill search," she said.

At the end of the series, Empol-Schwartz’s students are required to select three legislators and their legislative staff to analyze in depth, and then they are asked to select one that embodies "a servant of the people." 

The program has prompted a number of students to seek internships in legislative offices, one of whom was later hired as staff.

"The program provides students with a unique perspective of state and local politics that, unless you’re in Harrisburg, you can’t experience," said Empol-Schwartz. "The discussions are intimate, respectful and genuine. The students can see that legislators do understand the issues impacting their communities and do care about the people. This program enables students to gain direct access to lawmakers without competing with outside interest groups." 

Going forward, Empol-Schwartz hopes that the Legislator in Residence initiative can expand beyond political science classes.

"I would love to get legislators into every classroom—to make it a successful college-wide program," she said.