"I’m Just A Bill, The Journey of the First Bill I Worked On As A Congressional Staffer, GOVT 101" S 1 EP 2

TOPLESS GOVERNMENT

GOVT 101 – I’m Just A Bill, The Journey of the First Bill I Worked On As A Congressional Staffer

Welcome to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get started.

I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House. I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

This is the beginning of the FIRST SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing some topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.

So, everyone remembers Schoolhouse Rock, I’m Just A Bill, right? I want to take you on a journey of the very first bill as a congressional staffer I worked on.

My boss at the time was a member of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, representing the First Congressional District. Congressman Vitter was a strong supporter of cleaning up Lake Pontchartrain Basin, a 10,000 square mile watershed encompassing 16 Louisiana parishes. The land use of the region is both rural and urban and is the most densely populated region in Louisiana, including metro New Orleans and the state capital, Baton Rouge. It is one of the largest estuarine systems in the Gulf of Mexico containing over 22 essential habitats. The Basin's topography ranges from rolling woodlands in the north to coastal marshes in the south, with the 630 square mile Lake Pontchartrain as its centerpiece.

1. Crystal shares her story about getting her boss's signature bill over the finish line. H.R. 4470, a bill that would reauthorize appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program. H.R. 4470 Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE H8337
2. Crystal conveys her thoughts and takeaways on the legislative process of working on H.R. 4470. Break down the legislative and political jargon.

This was Topless Government, the government and politics show. If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show. We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now. Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief. You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening. They go live at 10 pm. This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics. I look forward to geeking out with you again.