Whether it’s Common Core standards in education, Medicaid expansion or how to fund much-needed repairs to Mississippi’s crumbling infrastructure, Natchez-area state lawmakers have a wide range of opinions on issues they are likely to face in the ongoing legislative session.

That message was clear Monday at the Natchez Grand Hotel as the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce sponsored its annual legislative breakfast.

State senators Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, and Kelvin Butler, D-Magnolia, joined state representatives Sam Mims, R-McComb, Angela Cockerham, D-Magnolia and Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, in discussing the issues facing Mississippi.

The good news is those who attended the event had the opportunity to hear our lawmakers’ opinions first hand, share their own views and ask questions.

As lawmakers, particularly on the national level, become increasingly beholden to partisan politics, lobbyists and campaign contributors, it is becoming even more important for voters to keep themselves informed on the issues and where those who represent them stand.

Mississippi’s lawmakers are making decisions right now on issues that touch the lives of each of us. Take the time to share how you feel with elected officials. When lawmakers come to town, go to hear for yourself what they have to say about the issues.

And take advantage of opportunities such as the Chamber-sponsored legislative breakfast, and other such events.

It’s easy to think that your solitary vote doesn’t matter, but it does. Keeping yourself informed of issues at hand will allow you to cast your ballot with confidence.