Before legislators vote on a new law, they routinely consider the economic or environmental impact of that law. An innovative program sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Family Studies is trying to ensure that legislators routinely examine the family impact of new laws. We began the Wisconsin Family Impact Seminars to provide an ongoing forum for addressing issues from a family perspective. Seminars consist of a two-hour forum and briefing report.
State legislators can also set up individual appointments with the speakers.
One state legislator reported that the welfare reform seminar helped him decide how to vote on the issue, said Bogenschneider. The seminars aim to provide a range of policy alternatives rather than lobbying for a particular policy option. The seminars receive high ratings for objectivity and are well attended by members of both parties. We want the seminars to provide a neutral setting where these legislators can seek common ground. The organization and content of the seminars have received high marks from attendees.