Senate Information Office

Legislative Role

Senate Information serves as a central information office for the Senate. Staff handle a wide array of telephone and in-person inquiries ranging from providing the status of Senate bills to explaining the legislative process. Questions that cannot be directly answered are referred to an office that can, such as the proper state agency, constitutional office or federal entity. Senate Information is also responsible for the production and the distribution of Senate publications including the Red and Green Books. In addition, Office staff provide a variety of outreach opportunities, including speaking to groups about the legislative process and organizing a booth at the Minnesota State Fair, and the Senate Intern program.

Functions and Services

• Public inquiries about the legislative process are accommodated by telephone, email, or in person. Information can be obtained regarding Minnesota legislation, Bill Status, or references within Minnesota Statutes, Sessions Laws, and Administrative Rules on the Minnesota Legislative website. Paper copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documentation are also available upon request. Assistance is also provided regarding Minnesota Legislators and Legislative Districts. Specific information about your Minnesota Senator is available on the Minnesota Senate website.
• Minnesota Senate publications, including directories, are available in paper copy from the Senate Information Office. Many publications are also now available on the Minnesota Senate and legislative websites. Some publications are listed in the Legislative Materials Available to the Public and are available in Portable Document Format (*.PDF)
• Publication of election directories and the Red and Green legislative directories and staff directories.
• The Senate Information Office administers the Senate Internship Program, Minnesota Senate booth at the Minnesota State Fair, and programs on the legislative process

Key Resources

Resource	Description
Publications	In colaboration with the Secretary of the Senate, Information Office issues, compiles and distributes publications and provides an overview or summary of the legislative process and procedural operations.
Senate College Internship Program	The Minnesota Senate coordinates an internship program designed to provide the opportunity for participants to learn the legislative process. Internships take place during the legislative Session and give a "behind the scenes" view of the law making process. The program is open to anyone 18 years and older who has a high school diploma or GED.
Minnesota Senate Booth at State Fair	Each year the Senate administers a booth at the Minnesota State Fair. Staff assist the public in identifying their district and legislators, answer inquiries regarding the legislature and legislative process, and demonstrate new and existing technology features. The office also creates a Senate Poll, that asks questions to the public on timely topicss at the legislature. Results of the Poll are then posted on the Senate's website.

Staff List

Name	Title	Office	Phone Number
Wendy Dwyer Bagley	Director of Senate Information	231 Capitol	651.296.4340
Diane Hansmeier	Public Information Officer	231 Capitol	651.296.1966
Kylan Johnson	Public Information Officer	231 Capitol	651.296.5101
Charles Roberts	Public Information Officer	231 Capitol	651.296.4174