Four-Day Work Weeks: You Noem, You Love 'Em...

At least one legislator is weighing in favorably on the Legislature's four-day work weeks. District 6's blogging Representative Kristi Noem (R-Castlewood) says the shorter weeks are working for her:

I will say I’m appreciating the shorter weeks as it allows me more time to complete work at home and at our family businesses, attend crackerbarrels and events to update community members on capital events, and still have quality time with my family. South Dakota maintains a citizen’s legislature, which I believe is to its benefit. Our legislators do not make politics their career. They own and operate businesses in our communities and earn their living the same as those who elected them. It’s important that they have this experience to apply in their decision making that will affect all people in the state. A little extra time on the weekends gives legislators time to complete their responsibilities and spend time researching and reading bills for the coming week [Rep. Kristi Noem, "Week Three... Can We Agree on Anything?" KristiNoem.com, 2008.01.29].

The extra day off doesn't bring service in the Legislature any closer to feasibility for most full-time workers in the state. But for those who can afford to take two months off from their businesses, the four-day work week sounds like a useful benefit. And note that Rep. Noem isn't just putting her feet up during that extra day; she's using at least some of that time to catch up with research and prepare for the next week of debate.

So, other legislators, lobbyists, denizens of the Capitol, how's the four-day week working for you? Your impressions and recommendations are welcome.