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Factsheets
Your source on political action, voter info & legislation
Tips on Testifying before a House or Senate Committee
- Contact the OCSEA Governmental Affairs Department in order to help facilitate the process and to coordinate our message.
- Identify the committee chair as well as the committee members so you can address them by name in any written material and during your testimony.
- Contact the committee chair’s office to ask if you can provide testimony.
- Complete the necessary form stating your name, contact information and desire to testify, including the bill number.
- Prepare written copies of your testimony and additional information so every member of the committee receives a copy at the time you testify (25 copies minimum and Finance Committee at least 50).
- Be on time, be courteous and respectful, and dress appropriately.
- When you begin your remarks, address the committee chair as Chair [legislator’s last name].
- Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard and speak as the expert you are about your story.
- Be brief and stay on target.
- Be prepared to answer any questions following your testimony. When answering questions, begin your response by addressing the chair by name, then the legislator asking the question by name, such as; “Mr./Madam. Chair, Senator/Representative [legislator’s last name].
- If you don’t know the answer to a question - say so. If you think you can get an answer - you should make the offer - but be sure to do the follow up!
- Thank the committee chair and members for providing you with an opportunity to talk with them and to again stress some key points.
- Contact the Governmental Affairs Department to report out.
See Related
GRASSROOTS FACTS - Legislative Links: Government and Media
GRASSROOTS FACTS - Lobbying: What is it?
GRASSROOTS FACTS : Meeting with Elected
Officials
GRASSROOTS FACTS: Writing elected officials
GRASSROOTS FACTS - ALL
Updated: March 8, 2007
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