Helpful Hints for Public Hearings

Source: Adapted from the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families

Throughout the legislative session, public hearings are held on bills. Testimony by a concerned citizen will often have great impact on the end result of a bill.

REMEMBER: We have the right to participate in our government. If too many people are afraid to participate, it allows just a few people to make the decisions. Showing up for an event is extremely important, whether or not you speak. Participating by being there is the most important and powerful step.

Before a Hearing:

• Verify the date, time and place of the hearing. To do this, call the sponsor of the bill or the clerk of the appropriate committee. If you do not know who this would be, call the Legislative Hotline, 1-800-362-9472 (or 266-9960 in Madison).
  
• Do your homework. Make sure you understand the bill or issue. Know the status of the bill and its impact on you and your community. Be familiar with the opposing view and speak to those issues as well, if appropriate.
  
• If you plan to testify, write your statement in direct, easy to understand language. Have enough typed copies for the committee members and others who may be interested. Double space all your copies and type on only one side of the paper.
  
• Rehearse (but don't memorize) your testimony. Try to think of questions you might be asked and practice answering them.
  
• If you are working with a group, plan your strategy at least one week in advance by all who will be at the hearing. Who will testify first? Who will address which parts of the issue? Plan a follow-up strategy (for example: phone calls, e-mails, or personal visits to legislators' offices).
  
• If you are unable to attend the hearing, mail a copy of your statement to the hearing committee and ask that it be included in the record. Also request a copy of the testimony presented at the meeting.

At the Hearing:

• Dress somewhat conservatively. Your appearance may be as important to some legislators as what you say or how you say it.
  
• Arrive early (at least by 30 minutes) and register so the committee will know that you plan to testify. Fill out a registration slip even if you do not wish to present testimony. It is a way of recording how many people are in favor and against the issue. Give your registration slip and copies of your testimony to the committee clerk or page. If you traveled some distance to appear and will be returning home the same day, note that fact on the registration form. The committee chairperson will often call such witnesses early to allow for travel time.
  
• The minute sign-up sheets or cards are available, jump on them! First testimonies are crucial to set the tone of a hearing, draw medical attention, and influence later testimonies.
  
• Be prepared to wait. There might be other bills before yours and it is difficult to judge how long other speakers will take.
  
• Pay attention to testimony presented by others and the committee members' reaction to those comments. This can give you clues on how to present your testimony. It also may raise other issues you wish to address. If you do not have anything to add to what has previously been said, simply note that you agree with the earlier speaker(s) and move on to the rest of your presentation.
  
• When it is your turn to testify, begin by greeting the chair and committee members. ("Good afternoon Senator Smith and members of the committee…") Introduce yourself and, if appropriate, your organization or group.
  
• Begin with a clear and concise statement of your position and what you want. "I am opposed to (in favor of) this bill and urge you to vote against (for) it."
  
• Be brief. Plan on speaking 3 - 5 minutes (or less).
  
• Speak clearly and directly. Remain courteous and do not argue with committee members or members of the audience. Simply state the reasons for you position.
  
• Mention why changes are necessary. Ask questions that the proposed legislation leaves unanswered. Mention others who support your position.
  
• Powerful testimony is a combination of personal stories and accurate, current statistics. Speak from your heart.
  
• After your testimony, ask if there are any questions. Answer only those you know you can answer correctly. If other members of your group are with you and can provide answers, point them out to the committee. If you don't know an answer, don't be afraid to say so. Write the question down and tell committee members you will get back to them with a response. Send the response in writing to the chair.
  
  
• Thank the chair and the committee for the opportunity to tell them your concerns.

Accompanying Activities:

Letter-writing Blitz - It is easy to turn the testimony that has been developed into a letter to public officials. Make sure letters are "cc'd" to key people. Mail prior to the hearing.

Media campaign - Make media contacts twice: once 3 or 4 days before hearings, and once the day of the hearing to encourage coverage, offer one-on-ones, personal stories to accompany piece on hearing, etc. If media does cover hearing, thank them, either at the hearing, or later, by mail or phone.

After the hearing:

• Keep a copy of your statement along with questions that you were asked and your responses.
  
• If you promised to provide additional material, be sure to do so as soon as possible.
  
• Follow-up on the bill's progress. Contact legislators personally, or write a follow-up letter.
  
• Reconvene your group soon after the hearing to plan next steps, critique the event, and share your successes.