Testimony Guidance

Giving testimony is one of the most effective ways to educate legislators and policymakers about the impact, either positive or negative, that proposed legislation or legislative change might have. Legislators and other policymakers are not always aware of all the implications a particular piece of legislation may have on their constituents.

Know the Issue/Legislation

Before proceeding with your statement/testimony, read the bill, relevant news information, or other materials that the legislator, committee, or organizations have put together in support of the opposition. This will help you formulate a good argument in support or in opposition. Other questions to ask:

• How is this issue currently addressed by other laws?
• Where is this bill in the legislative process?
• If speaking for the League, what is the League’s position on this issue? What is our history?
• What are other proponents saying?
• What are opponents saying?

Know the Guidelines for Offering a Statement/Testimony

Different committees, legislatures, and executives set different rules around the delivery of your testimony. It is best to be prepared by researching the rules around your offering. Consider the difference between written and oral testimony as well. If you are not invited to offer or cannot secure a timeslot to deliver oral testimony, consider offering testimony in writing. Additional considerations include:

• How much time will you have to present your statement?
• Can you follow up with additional details in writing?
• If you are invited to present a statement, does it have to be submitted in advance?
• What is the deadline for responding to questions and follow-up from the committee?
• Is there a limit on the length of written testimony?
• Does a particular phrase/regulation need to be included for consideration of written testimony? (this often happens with regulatory comments)

When Writing Your Statement/Testimony

• Introduce yourself and your organization
  • Who are you? Who do you represent? What is your title? Note anything about your expertise like time working in this issue area
• Include factual information
  • Use compelling facts and figures about your community that pertain to the issue
• Tell Your Story: Why is this important to you/your community
  •  Put a personal face to the issue. Why does this matter to you? Why does this matter to your community? Use your story to put a human face on the issue.
• Offer thanks
  • Thank the legislators, committee, agency for conducting a transparent process and encouraging citizen participation.
• Conclude on a compelling point
  • This could be a significant statistic about your community or relate back to your personal story. Make it memorable for the biggest impact.

Share Your Statement/Testimony

Here are some communications suggestions/options for Leagues that are submitting a written statement or orally giving testimony.

• Publish the testimony on your website after giving it – share this on social media & email to rally your base. View an example here. 
• Send the written version of your testimony in a press release on the day you give it (make sure to label it as embargoed if sending before you give testimony and include a link where the hearing can be watched).
• Have a fellow member live-tweet your testimony as they watch it online.
• Consider purchasing a clip of your live testimony if available to post on your website, YouTube channel, and other social media. (This is usually very inexpensive through public access or C-Span. It will depend on the outlet and may not apply to your situation.)

Download a PDF version of this guide. 

Questions? Email [email protected]