Although the Mississippi State Capitol is only a short drive from Natchez, for many citizens, it seems like it’s thousands of miles from home.

That’s because it’s easy to simply read about what state lawmakers are doing, throw your hands up in the air, shrug your shoulders and scoff at their work.

But the fact is, lawmakers do, in fact, listen to constituents, even though they may not always do exactly what constituents seek them to do.

The Mississippi Legislature began the 2014 session on Tuesday, and local lawmakers are already predicting a number of hot-button issues ahead — from drug testing welfare recipients to trying to replace previously cut funds to the state’s transportation department.

Most of the key issues relate to funding — as most things in government do.

What’s important to your state representatives?

You can find out Monday morning, and you don’t have to drive to Jackson to do it. You’ll have a chance to meet directly with your lawmakers at the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Eola Hotel.

Breakfast is $10, but the ability to listen and learn about your state’s government is free.

We hope more people will stand up and show an interest in state government issues and ultimately get involved. Doing so will help make Mississippi better.