How do I know if my state representative (in state gov) can help me wit?

October 10, 2023 9:56 AM

All kinds of surprising-to-me things can sometimes be smoothed by asking the politicians who represent you for help. I'm considering applying to my state (PA) for an exception to take the architecture licensing exams based on experience institute of a professional degree. Is this something my state rep might be able to help with? By any degree of help including info.
posted by sepviva to Law & Government (7 answers total)

I think this is incredibly dependent on what the state laws are regarding whether exceptions can be granted. If an exception can be granted by the agency staff, pressure from a representative might help. If agency staff has no statutory authority to make an exception, your representative won't be able to help you now but could maybe change the law. Literally 15 seconds of Google brought me to this page, which should answer your questions. If it doesn't, call the number listed there.
posted by notjustthefish at 10:11 AM on October 10, 2023

You should call! State representatives have staffers (often eager and/or political junkies) and they will be able to advise on what, if any, help they could offer.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:17 AM on October 10, 2023 [2 favorites]

Well, they can quickly tell you "Is this something my state rep might be able to help with? By any degree of help including info."
posted by amtho at 10:34 AM on October 10, 2023

My kid just did a summer internship in a politician's office and a big part of his job was answering phones and responding to constituents' requests like this. So +1 for calling and asking.
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:47 AM on October 10, 2023 [1 favorite]

Judging from your prior questions, I think you are in South Philly. The state reps (Fiedler and Waxman) and senator (Saval) in the area are very helpful. Just call (or stop by their local offices) and ask! The worst that can happen is that they can't help with this issue, but you now know their staffers.
posted by mcduff at 11:03 AM on October 10, 2023

Best answer: Yes, call and ask; your reps have other methods of contacting them on their website.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards has this evaluation tool, and resources for documenting professional experience.
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:22 PM on October 10, 2023

Response by poster: Thank you all, I hate asking for what feels like a favor, so you're making me feel better. PA does allow exceptions and is slightly less opaque about the process than they used to be, but it still feels pretty subjective.
posted by sepviva at 5:12 PM on October 10, 2023