What is the job of a state representative?
- Create and change laws.
- Pass the state budget.
- Bring home funding from Boston.
- Provide oversight.
- Connect residents with services.
- Answer your questions.
State representatives work to make laws that address problems and improve lives.
The budget is the most important law each year. State representatives make sure their
district gets its fair share of funding in the budget, or more, to meet its needs.
They represent their district’s interests regarding state-aid formulas, local projects and public expenditures.
State representatives serve constituents by responding to requests for information, help and casework.
They make sure district residents are aware of the programs and services funded in the budget available to them. When necessary, they help residents navigate the bureaucracy to get what they need.
State representatives provide oversight to monitor how the laws they make are applied, and what effect they have. They make sure public money is not wasted and programs provide efficient services. They look ahead to develop policies to meet the future needs of the district, and the commonwealth.
A state representative:
- gives voice to district residents;
- welcomes differing opinions;
- balances competing interests and values;
- builds consensus and negotiates compromises ;
- responds to what residents want and need;
- makes sure residents and groups have access to them and to the process; and
- helps fellow residents understand how to participate and advocate responsibly in a
representative democracy.