Rep. Hastings speaks to government class

A group of seniors in Kerry Murphy’s government class had a distinctive guest speaker during the afternoon class on Feb. 11.

Congressman Doc Hastings stopped by to visit Lind-Ritzville High School and discuss current government in the United States.

Hastings is currently the representative for Washington’s Fourth Congressional District, a district that now includes Adams County. Hastings has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since his first election in 1995 and has been reelected to the position in the next four elections.

The class discussion at Lind-Ritzville High School covered the basics of the U.S. government, how laws are passed and Hastings’ responsibilities as a congressman. He discussed the three branches of government at the state and national level, and their individual strengths. He also covered how many members belonged to each branch of government and the differences between the country’s two main parties.

Hastings continued on to explain redistricting to the class, a method Hastings is familiar with due to the last year’s redistricting of his district. While Hastings has always represented Washington’s Fourth Congressional District, the boundaries of that district have changed throughout the years.

The Washington State Redistricting Commission unanimously approved the plan for redistricting boundaries in early January 2012 before the maps were passed to the Legislature for approval. Following the approval of the Legislature, the new boundaries went into effect on November 2012 after the general election.

Hastings explained that the main purpose of redistricting is to separate the state into equal districts based on population. The boundaries created last year will remain valid for 10 years until the next federal census and redistricting process.

At the end of Hastings presentation, the students had the opportunity to address Hastings and ask questions. The first questions related to bipartisan districts and how Hastings personally became involved in politics.

Two students addressed Hastings about current events and asked about his personal reaction to decisions regarding women in warfare and gun control.

After answering questions poised by the class, Hastings thanked the students and encouraged every student to register to vote when they turn 18. Hastings believes the ability to vote is a freedom residents should take advantage of and that their vote truly can make a difference.

For more information or to contact Hastings, visit http://hastings.house.gov.