Legislator Data and Services
(Updated 1/15/08)
7,382 elected members serve in the nation's 50 state legislatures. However, the number of legislators serving in each state varies dramatically, from New Hampshire's 400 seat House of Representatives to Alaska's 20 member Senate.
On a national basis, partisan composition of the state legislatures is almost even among Republicans and Democrats, with the Rs gaining seats steadily over the past decade. See NCSL's partisan composition data for the current partisan makeup of each state legislature. You also can review demographic data on state legislators and information on the widely ranging levels of compensation paid to them from state to state. NCSL's Women's Legislative Network offers special services, programs and information about women serving in state legislatures.
15 states currently have term limits for state legislators. However, historically the turnover rate for state legislators declined as the institution professionalized and the job became more desirable. This increased professionalism combined with expanding demands on legislators places a higher premium on legislator training and orientation programs. NCSL provides legislator training and information exchange through it's Standing Committee system, at special workshops and seminars and through customized studies, briefings and issue assistance conducted at state capitals.
NCSL's Trust for Representative Democracy helps legislators tell the story of representative democracy to their constituents and assists members in their efforts to create a more informed and engaged citizenry. The Trust's Legislators Back to School Program is nationally recognized and helps legislators teach important lessons to students about the legislative institution and representative democracy.
NCSL's Legislative Management Program in Denver, Colo. provides training to legislatures, and may be reached at 303-364-7700 or mailto:tl-info@ncsl.org?subject=[legislator]. |
