Greetings! My name is Cara McLaughlin and I am Representative Cooper’s new intern for the spring session. This week the representative has asked me to write his report in order to tell you a little bit about myself and what I will be doing here in the Capitol this semester.

Here are just a few things you may want to know about me. I was born and raised in the Northland of Kansas City (north of the river in Missouri). I am currently a senior at the University of Missouri in Columbia and I am going to graduate in May with a double major in History and Political Science. At Mizzou, I am a member and the past president of the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta and an avid football fan… Go Tigers!!!

This semester I am working for Representative Cooper two days a week and will have many opportunities to participate in and learn about the legislative process. I work very closely with Naomi at the desk behind the door, so if you come to the office, remember not to squish me when you swing open the door! Naomi and I thought about putting “Beware of Intern” on the door but we thought it would sound like I was the representative’s guard dog, so we decided against it.

Naomi and I have spent the last few weeks sorting and compiling the surveys many of you have been so gracious to fill out and return to us. We have taken all the information from the surveys and put it into a workable format for Representative Cooper to use as a reference when he votes. Representative Cooper does truly value and appreciate all of your opinions and suggestions, and if you were kind enough to write a comment or question on your survey, you will be getting a response from the office shortly.

This internship is such a wonderful learning experience for me, and I am so excited about everything there is to learn. Just by being on location in the Capitol building, I have already learned so much about the legislative process and all the work that goes into it. Next week I am going to have the opportunity to pass amendments out on the Floor which means I will be walking around the chamber while the House is in session. It should be very exciting.

So this is me in a nutshell. I am so excited about my semester and if you are ever in the Capitol building please come by and say hello. We look forward to hearing from you.

Representative Cooper encourages you to contact him with any suggestions or ideas, and can be reached at: Capitol office (573) 751-1484, or by email at shannon.cooper@house.mo.gov. His mailing address is: Room 310, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.