Capitol Life During the Session | Video

Retha Colclasure | 1/24/2013

Every other year nearly 150 legislators, along with hundreds more lobbyists, descend on the capitol building in Bismarck. That can make the capitol a busier place than usual and most employees who work there year-round like the change of pace. Nearly 2,000 people work in the capitol tower and life can change for all of them every other year.

If it`s lunchtime and the legislature is in session, you can guarantee that the capitol cafe will be busy.

"I like it. But it`s very stressful. I enjoy being busy," said Aviands employee Jill Muller.

Muller has been ringing up lunches for legislators, lobbyists and laymen for six years. "They just have to be patient and wait for me! (laughs)"

Throughout most of the year, she knows who`s coming through her line, but this time is different. "So busy I don`t even look up to see who it is."

One person who won`t be coming through the line, Darlene Neas.

"During the session I bring my lunch," she said.

Neas works part time as a tour guide. This is her third session at the capitol. "There`s a lot more people. A lot more action. A lot more action in Memorial Hall. There`s always different exhibits. It`s a lot of fun."

And it gives her a little more exercise, walking from a far off parking place. "I don`t come in til 8:30. So by then most of the people are here already so it`s a little more challenging to find a place."

But she says she doesn`t mind it and has fun meeting all the faces the legislature brings to town.

Neas says a lot of people are interested in taking the legislative tour during the session. That tour, instead of explaining the history of the capitol building takes a look at committee rooms and details the legislative process.

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