Two MSU students gained a new perspective on the legislative system. Dean Ladner and James Madden, both senior accounting students, interned this summer in Washington, D.C. in the officer of Senator Thad Cochren.

The two worked mainly with appropriation issues in Senator Cochran’s office. They were given the opportunity to work in both the state and federal appropriations process where they were able to view the entire process work from start to finish. They reviewed many different bills to make sure that earmarks were included in the legislation. Some of the bills included Transportation, Housing & Urban Development, and Commerce, Justice, & Science.

“The most interesting aspect of the experience was learning what the different cities and counties in Mississippi need,” said James Madden. “A large number of cities and counties in Mississippi have a need that they can not take care of locally, so they ask for help on the federal level.”

These students sat in on many meetings discussing various needs and were able to view each appropriation request. Then they watched as the request went through the various levels of the appropriations process to finally be included in legislation.

Ladner and Madden thoroughly enjoyed learning about the entire process of legislation. They will continue to use this knowledge in their future career paths.