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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

But Will They Fit Under the Tree?

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007   

Seattle, WA – Here's a last-minute gift idea for the person who has everything -- a chance to "adopt" their Washington State Representative or Senator, or both! A Seattle-based grassroots group has come up with a unique fundraiser that also prompts folks to keep tabs on state lawmakers, by asking them to "Adopt an Elected Official."

A donation to the group Fuse Washington buys an adoption certificate and, at the end of the session, a scorecard of how "your" lawmaker voted. Fuse Washington director Aaron Ostrom says he's not sure how lawmakers will feel about the idea, but it's a sure-fire way to involve their constituents.

"Most elected officials like feedback from their constituents. If we're creating a stronger connection and better information flow between them and the people they represent, that's a service to them as well."

With the next Washington legislative session starting in just a few weeks (January 14), Ostrom says it's also a fun way to keep people tuned in to what's happening in state politics.

"That's our hope, really, that we spark interest in a connection with the Legislature and with the important decisions being made, that are going to affect their life. What we're really trying to do is plug people into the system, and plug people into politics."

Ostrom says State Representatives cost $25 to "adopt," and Senators are $50. He explains the price difference is a matter of "supply and demand," as there are fewer state Senators. Learn more about the adoption process at www.fusewashington.org.



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