NCSL Legislative Video Resource Center

Legislative staffers speak on the ways emotions and opposing opinions can affect ethical responses. Many hands are involved in the legislative process—legislators, the executive agency, staff lobbyists and constituents, and those voices are often interested in a particular policy or process. “Legislative staff have to look at it from a much bigger, institutional perspective,” says Raul Burciaga, director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service. “What is good for the state? What is good for the legislature to conduct its business?”

Legislative staffers speak on the ways emotions and opposing opinions can affect ethical responses. Many hands are involved in the legislative process—legislators, the executive agency, staff lobbyists and constituents, and those voices are often interested in a particular policy or process. “Legislative staff have to look at it from a much bigger, institutional perspective,” says Raul Burciaga, director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service. “What is good for the state? What is good for the legislature to conduct its business?”

States are increasingly passing legislation to ease access to menstrual supplies—from exempting menstrual products from state sales tax to providing no cost supplies at schools, shelters and correctional facilities. The cost of these products can create a barrier to access for many women and girls leading to negative health outcomes and reduced school attendance. Join us for an informative discussion about policy levers available to state lawmakers and learn from states that have passed access bills.