StateStats: Legislators Want to Friend You
Ten years ago, only about half of Americans went online regularly. Today, more than 80 percent do, and an increasing number are logging on to learn about politics, sign up for government services, and connect with legislators. Around 68 percent of Americans have broadband at home, and 46 percent have wireless devices. Both allow them to view interactive Web pages or watch live webcasts or videos, including those from their state capitol.
Every legislature offers some level of live audio or video streaming. Forty-one states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., offer video webcasts of floor proceedings. At least 33 states post videos on YouTube or Vimeo, and about 31 states and D.C. offer live viewing of all or select committee hearings. Legislatures in at least half the states have developed mobile apps or adapted websites to fit smartphones and tablet formats. More