Rahneisha Jennings of Kennett works with Rep. Terry Swinger, D-Caruthersville, and other legislators at the Capitol at Jefferson City. Jennings graduated from Kennett High School in 2006 and is working as an intern for Rep. Juanita Walton, D-Florissant. Photo provided [Click to enlarge]

Recently, Rep. Terry Swinger, D­Caruthersville, showed Jennings a few places around the Capitol.

"Capitol interns are college students who work for one semester during Session," Swinger said. "Colleges are notified of internships available and then they send out information to the students requesting applicants."

"Interns are interviewed and are selected by Representatives or Senators," Swinger continued, "Rahneisha is a junior at Lincoln University at Jefferson City, majoring in journalism. Rep. Juanita Walton, D-Florissant, selected her. She works 12 hours a week. She receives three credit hours as well as a grade."

Swinger said that Capitol interns have duties based upon the requests of the Representative or Senator who selected them. In Jennings' case, she helps Rep.

Walton maintain databases, contact people regarding various events, give tours, and process graduation certificates.

Jennings also drafts letters, works on con­stituent issues, and has created a brochure for senior citizens. Additionally, she has had the opportunity to view several com­mittee hearings. The most interesting aspect of being an intern, according to Jennings is the oppor­tunity to "sit in and listen and watch the legislative process in action." She said she has really enjoyed observing the Representatives and Senators performing their work.

Working for a Representative from the St. Louis area presents at least one challenging aspect to Jennings' job. "Part of my responsibilities includes preparing certifi­cates for graduating seniors from the high schools in the St. Louis area.

"There might be 500 to 800 graduates so making sure that I get everyone's name and spell the names correctly is challenging," Jennings said.

Jennings is enjoying her work, however, and plans on attempting to intern again next Session. Friday was her last day of internship in the Session just ending.

"Rahneisha has proven she is a valued and dedicated intern," Swinger said. "She even worked through her school spring break.

She has been asked to work this summer as a volunteer with her Representative. If any student has the opportunity to intern at the Capitol, it is well worth the experience."

Jennings is a 2006 graduate of Kennett High School.

Incidentally, concerning his bill on storm shelter tax credits, HB 1595, Swinger said the Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee heard it and passed it. He said he expects it to go to the Senate, where he is optimistic that it will pass.