During her keynote address at the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers (MnSPE) Annual Meeting in April, Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, PE, addressed an appreciative audience. She made it clear: the engineering community has a vital role to play in shaping legislation and public policy. Her message was direct and urgent—we need your expertise in government to build a better Minnesota.
Your problem-solving skills will help make a difference
What makes professional engineers (PEs) so essential in public service and policy? According to Senator Stewart, it’s their unique skill set. PEs are trained to solve complex problems, think critically, and design solutions with the public good in mind. These qualities are perfectly aligned with the demands of the Capitol.
From advising on sustainable infrastructure projects to influencing energy and transportation policies, engineers bring analytical rigor and practical know-how to legislative discussions. Senator Stewart emphasized that the engineering mindset is invaluable when advocating for evidence-based decision-making in a time when misinformation can dominate debate. Senator Stewart then outlined avenues to action for PEs.
Avenues to Action
Ther are numerous ways licensed engineers can get involved and influence policy from the outside. Senator Stewart outlined clear action steps every engineer can take:
- Contact Your Legislators: Start by reaching out to your representatives. Build relationships that allow you to become a trusted source of advice and information. Not sure who your legislators are? Find out here: https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/
- Offer to Help: Volunteer your expertise, especially on projects involving infrastructure, transportation, energy, or public safety. Simple gestures like offering to serve as an advisor on specific issues can build credibility and trust.
- Advocate: Advocate for legislation that aligns with your expertise and values. Senator Stewart highlighted the importance of testifying at hearings as a way to lend authority to technical topics. Talk with the MnSPE Legislative Committee about testififying at a hearing that affects your area of expertise.
- Track Bills: Stay updated on legislation that impacts your industry or areas of interest. The Minnesota Revisor’s Office provides tools to track and monitor bills through their lifecycle. The MnSPE Legislative Committee tracks bills that affect public work.
- Impact Funding:Engineers can also influence state funding and bonding requests. Collaborating with committees to secure funds for critical projects is another powerful way to make a difference.
- Volunteer to serve on the MnSPE Legislative Committee. It’s a great way to learn about the legislative process, get timely bill tracking information, and follow issues that rely on PEs and their knowledge.
- Volunteer to serve on state boards that affect public policy. Those boards range from the Sub Surface Wastewater Treatment board to regional transit advisory boards and more.
The Long-Term Impact of Engineers in Government
Senator Stewart’s message at the MnSPE Annual Meeting couldn’t have been clearer. Engineers have a role to play not just in designing bridges or ensuring public safety systems work efficiently but in shaping the policies that govern how these systems are funded, implemented, and maintained.
The Capitol needs problem-solvers, and there’s no doubt that licensed engineers are equipped for this challenge. If you’ve ever considered stepping into the world of public service, there’s no better time than now to take that first step.
Contact Senator Ann Johnson Stewart
If you want to learn more or get involved, Senator Ann Johnson Stewart encourages you to reach out to her directly.
Don’t wait for change to happen. Be part of the change. Minnesota’s government needs your expertise to build a better future.