In other states, like Minnesota and Illinois, staff work for legislative caucuses instead of individual lawmakers.

Amanda Jorgenson, who oversees the Legislature’s human resources office, said she was hired about a year ago and since then has been working to overhaul the Legislature’s employee manuals and hiring process. Jorgenson said she also started working with legislative leaders this spring to create regular training for all staff and lawmakers.

She said any staff members who share concerns with her office are assured retaliation from supervisors or co-workers won’t be tolerated and is illegal. She also emphasized that her office is independent and that no lawmakers were involved in her hiring.

“Leadership did approve of hiring an HR Manager but was not involved in the hiring process,” she said. “In addition, the Legislative Human Resources Office is an arm of the Chief Clerk’s Offices but is a completely separate office.”

Some legislative staff say they have felt unwilling to come forward, or were unaware of protections the HR office could provide.

“Historically we tell our stories to each other over lunch or drinks. We don’t go to HR, we don’t file complaints,” said one female staff member who spoke on condition she not be named because of concerns over her employment. “I think this is getting better as people are learning more about the HR process and the protections from retaliation and the privacy that we have.”

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