Formal and informal. The Legislature and MaineDOT interact and communicate in many ways. The Legislature communicates with MaineDOT on an ongoing basis through letters and memoranda, by overseeing the MaineDOT budget, and in other ways. MaineDOT executive staff-including the commissioner, the deputy commissioner and the director of finance and administration-testify regularly before the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation about relevant policy and budget issues, participate in work sessions, and are generally accessible to legislators. Either legislators or the governor may submit bills on behalf of MaineDOT. MaineDOT employs a dedicated legislative liaison who articulates MaineDOT's stance on legislation, represents MaineDOT's interests before the Legislature, provides outreach to legislators and staff, and acts as the primary contact for legislators who need constituent assistance.