Many of the decisions facing legislators require a level of scientific or technical expertise that very few have. Examples of such decisions in the field of health include: stem cell research, vaccination programs, biotechnology funding, and soil and water contamination.This workshop will focus on the underlying decision processes that Michigan policy-makers use to protect the public health of Michigan's citizens.How do they leverage background knowledge with political constraints, lobbying efforts, and the advice of experts? What expertise networks do they use?