In concluding the session I asked Senator Givens a couple questions on how he thought the session looked overall.

1. How did you first year go?

Givens- I thouroughly enjoyed my first year and I felt like we had a productive session. I was extremely impressed by the LRC staff on how essential they are to the legislative process. I also came to the realization that the time demands are high.

2. Was being a legislator being than what you had expected?

Givens-Again, as I said earlier I was surprised by the intensity and volume of work. I was really impressed on how on some specific issues we worked on especially regarding the budget challenged us to work together to the best interest of the state. I was disappointed that some pieces of legislation did not go through because the House let out so early on the last day and refused to vote on any new pieces of Legislation.

3. What was the most important thing you saw come out of session?

Givens- I believe that Senate Bill 1 was the most important piece of Legislation that came out of the 09 Session. These changes to the assessment program are going to be phased in over the next two years some things starting this year and it will be fully implemented by 2011. This process will also be looked at by both sides of leadership on how to construct a new assessment tool to be used in academic evaluation. Another important thing that came out of session was the combination revenue measure that was a necessary action taken by the legislature. This combination of the taxes on alcohol and tobacco, and legislation approving cuts in the state budget shrank the net spending buy 100 million.

4. What are some things that you are looking forward too for next session and during the interum period?

Givens-Right now during the interum I am working with the Unemployment Insurance Staff Force to look at the structural implications that medical regulations have on unemployment insurance. Right now the state owes the Federal Government 200 million and we are looking at ways to reduce in some areas to be able to pay that back. Again, I am really looking forward to being a part of the task force that will create a new assessment for academic evaluation.

He also told me to mention that he had an excellent intern haha.