I strongly believe that listening to the people and providing them with information about what you are doing on their behalf are vital and irreplaceable parts to being a good public servant.

Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have held a series of telephone town hall meetings to interact directly with the hardworking people of Southwest Michigan.

Forums like the tele-town halls allow me to hear from thousands of area families and job providers about their priorities for their state.

Another way to make the state more responsive and accountable to the people is providing information.

The Secretary of the Senate has announced that all Michigan Senate televised events will now be available via two live web streams — enabling the Senate to stream up to two events simultaneously.

I applaud the Senate for making this important technology upgrade. It will significantly increase the amount of material available to the public and make it easier for them to follow Senate proceedings.

Southwest Michigan families cannot always come to Lansing to observe their senators in action or watch committees. This new system will now give people greater access via live streaming —enabling the public to now watch the legislative process from the comfort of their home computer.

Streamed content will also be archived and accessible via the Michigan Senate Video On Demand website. Live streaming will make it possible for the public to download copies of televised events via the website at no cost.

The Secretary of the Senate plans to make televised events available for viewing or download over the course of each entire two-year session of the Senate. The newly launched website will soon have available content dating back to January.

Michigan Senate live streaming is available via www.misenate.viebit.com or by clicking “Play Live Video” on the Michigan Senate homepage at www.senate.michigan.gov.

 

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents Southwest Michigan.