From secret Capitol spots to warnings about echoing tunnels, Minnesota Capitol veterans are offering advice for all the new folks who will storm the domed building when session starts on January 8th.
Check out their tips for Capitol newbies below and add your own on Twitter using the hashtag #tipsforcapitolnewbies.
[View the story "Tips for Capitol newbies" on Storify ]Tips for Capitol newbies Capitol veterans offered advice to the dozens of new members of the Legislature and the many new staffers coming in for the January 08 start of the 2013 legislative session Storified by R. Stassen-Berger · Fri, Jan 04 2013 08:23:58
In honor of the 62 new members of #mnleg and many new staff starting at the MN Capitol next week, let's renew #tipsforcapitolnewbiesR. Stassen-Berger
#tipsforcapitolnewbies Check out the Twitter MN politics wiki-- http://mnpoltwitter.pbworks.com/w/page/5938900/FrontPage Add yourself.R. Stassen-Berger
My1st day: Krinkie: "freshmen are to be seen and not heard" Vandeveer: "not true. We don't want to see you either." #tipsforcapitolnewbiesMatt Dean
Discover where the Legislative Reference Library is, learn what it offers, escape to it often. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesKent Kaiser, Ph.D.
When House sessions go late into the night, like say when the HHS bill is on the floor, Mama's Pizza hits the spot. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesCharlene Briner
For a break from the Capitol, take a pleasant walk (10 min) to the History Center for a tasty lunch @mnhs cafe #tipsforcapitolnewbiesDavid Kelliher
Be kind to the folks who make the Capitol and State Office Bldg an incredible, beautiful and safe place to work. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesJodi Boyne
House floor is chilly during evening sessions. Bring a sweater. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesJodi Boyne
There's ice cream! #tipsforcapitolnewbiesPatrick Condon
Don't talk about anyone in the tunnels. It echoes, and they're probably walking behind you. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesAbby Michaud
If haters tell you to avoid @WhiteCastle on Rice St., promptly ignore them #tipsforcapitolnewbiesDJ Draper
False. See: House Rule 9.40 RT @pdemko: Smoking is only permitted on the House floor. Do not light up in the Senate. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesKevin Watterson
Speak your mind. Openly. To the press. Often. #tipsforcapitolnewbiestomscheck
In your living room. At your television. RT @tomscheck: Speak your mind. Openly. To the press. Often. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesKevin Watterson
Right after you've twice, thought twice about it! RT @tomscheck: Speak your mind. Openly. To the press. Often. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesSean Nienow
Laws are made by those who show up! #tipsforcapitolnewbiesRich Neumeister
Be nice to the pages. They are way over qualified and underpaid for the work they are doing. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesBradley Peterson
Yes! +they might give you 1st bill copy & alert you to when Conf Comm is actually meeting RT@bmpeterson BeNiceToPages #tipsforcapitolnewbiesJessica Schaum
#tipsforcapitolnewbies The Star Tribune office has candy and pretzels. Stop by.http://storify.com/rachelsb/tips-for-capitol-newbiesR. Stassen-Berger
Caution: Office contains reporters. RT @rachelsb: #tipsforcapitolnewbies The Star Tribune office has candy and pretzels. Stop by.Kevin Watterson
If a member wants to see you alone in a stairway or restroom DO NOT GO. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesJack Tomczak
Capitol Security may not be young, quick or nimble, but they will snatch your bag if you leave it unattended. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesMike Miller
Worn heels are REALLY slippery on marble floors. #learnedfromexperience #tipsforcapitolnewbiesBecky Alery
@danschoen54a @RachelSB The most important peeps 2 know (no order) Payroll ladies, the Sgt's, IT staff, the janitors #tipsforcapitolnewbiesjohn pollard
Nonpartisan staff is here to help! Get to know us! Also, we enjoy treats. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesStephanie James
Everyone in that building is more than their political affiliation. They have families and fears. Be respectful. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesMike Miller
Say hi and smile in the tunnels. Avoid the puddles. #tipsforCapitolnewbiesJessica Schaum
@RachelSB @jschaum84 Goes for both genders. Spend money on good shoes. 6 months on marble floors kills feet. #tipsforCapitolnewbiesKevin Watterson
Lock your computer. #always #tipsforcapitolnewbies cc: @ALeer21 and @sjcarpenKevin Poindexter
#tipsforcapitolnewbies Get your caffeine before you come to work. The coffee pots at the Capitol get "cleaned" in the bathrooms.Vic Thorstenson
Invest in stylish flats to wear for when your feet hurt, make frozen meals, stock up on cold relief products #tipsforCapitolnewbiesJessica Schaum
Tweet carefully - ask friends to knock your phone out of your hand when you're tired, cranky, or drunk. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesJulie Blaha
#tipsforcapitolnewbies MT @meaganbachmayer remind them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel aka interim.R. Stassen-Berger
Eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies and drink a lot of water! You need your health and energy for 5 months. #tipsforcapitolnewbiesKim Babine
@RachelSB Don't forget - tell your comms staff to NEVER send out a release as a PDF attachment. #tipsforcapitolnewbies #learnedthehardwayKate Brickman
#tipsforCapitolnewbies Tell your friends and family NOW that you love them, so they'll stick with you when you are a) absent and b) crankyR. Stassen-Berger
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