For access to pending legislation, "News alerts" of non-profit organizations are good sources for bills that are directly related to their mission. Some general Web sites that can help you track progressive issues in Congress and the Michigan Legislature are

NASW Advocacy

Public Policy Office of the American Psychological Association

Handsnet

Michigan Social Issues

Progressive Secretary
Michigan League for Human Services

Advocacy organizations are especially helpful for policy issues. Their primary goal is to affect social change in the direction of their values. They want to persuade YOU! Useful features of legitimate advocacy web sites are identification of coalitions and other stakeholders involved in an issue; tracking pending legislation relevant to their interests; and fostering political debate. They often make it convenient for you to write your public officials. See also checklist for an Advocacy Web Page http://www.cofc.edu/~seay/advoc_eval.html

Look for sites that are archives of the past such as

On the Issues

Extensive web site analyzing positions of all 2004 Presidential candidates as well as incumbent governors, senators and House members on a variety of campaign issues

Relies on their voting records but also includes position statements.

Google

Archives Milestones Chronology TImelines History <your topic>

to find historical background on advocacy and other sites.