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PUBLIC TESTIMONY GUIDE

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Thank you to BCTDW member Solange Hommel for providing this information. Solange is the founder of The Liberty & Justice Lege Watch, a weekly email that gives you regular updates on legislative happenings in the state of Texas (and relevant federal or local issues when appropriate), how those happenings will impact us, and specific actions you can take to engage with the political process.

Email Solange for more information.

Sign up to receive a weekly update here: The Liberty & Justice Lege Watch.

 

CAN'T GO IN PERSON?

Click here to submit
WRITTEN TESTIMONY

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PRESENTING A UNITED FRONT

Invite others to join you. It is less intimidating to prepare for and give public testimony with friendly faces around.

Dress in business or business casual attire, accenting with a color that represents your group or issue.

Meet at the rotunda in the main building (see map below) at a predetermined time so your group can enter together. Be sure to allow enough time to walk from the parking structure and to sign in ahead of the committee meeting.

Children are welcome at the Capitol! They can even give testimony. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and activities, as it could be a very long day.

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TO TESTIFY

Click here to create your public profile in advance.

NOTE: All individuals entering these buildings are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth. More on health and safety protocols here.

It is a good idea to bring 20 printed copies of your testimony. Your written version can include more details if you wish. You may leave them with the clerk of the committee.

Upon arrival, use one of the touch screen kiosk stations located in the Capitol Extension (available on levels 1 and 2) to complete the 5-step registration process.

Be sure to arrive on time. Public seating in the audience area of a hearing room will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, to the extent seats are available.

Be prepared to wait. It is not unusual to wait all day, sometimes 12 hrs or more. Don’t let them run out the clock on your rights. Bring water and snacks. There is a public cafeteria on level E1, but it may not be open the entire time you are there.

Listen to the testimony given before you.

When your name is called as a witness, you will go up to the committee panel or podium, and provide your testimony.

 

TIPS FOR STRONG TESTIMONY

  • Practice giving your testimony within the 3 minutes time limit.

  • Speak clearly and loudly enough for the room to hear.

  • Greet the committee and briefly introduce yourself.

  • Stay focused. Summarize your key points. Avoid repetition of earlier testimony when possible. “I agree with __ regarding __.”

  • Provide accurate information.

  • Tie your testimony to your personal story. Explain why this issue is so important to you.

  • Avoid confrontation and remain calm. Supportive committee members may ask questions for clarification. Questions are not automatically a challenge or attack.

 

See script template below for additional support.

 

TESTIMONY SCRIPT TEMPLATE:

Greeting and Introduction
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, and members of the committee, my name is __ from ___.

 

Statement of Position (pick one or create your own)

I support ___ because ___.

I oppose ___ because ___.

I’m concerned about ___ because ___.

I believe we need [ACTION OR CHANGE] because ___.

 

Reasoning (pick one or two)

Explain how this issue has impacted you or your immediate community.

Ex: “I am a sixth grade teacher, and every day, I work with diverse students who all deserve the opportunity to learn the complete, honest, thoughtful truth about US history.” 

Provide BASIC statistics/data that supports your stance

 

Conclusion

Summarize your position

In conclusion…

As you can see…

Make your ask

As a result, I ask the committee…

I would like to see…

Thank you

Thank you, committee members, for your time and attention.

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CAPITOL COMPLEX INFO

There are numerous parking locations close to the capitol. NOTE: Allow yourself ample time to walk from visitor parking to the committee room.

You can get building maps and a list of current office assignments at the South entrance Information Center.

Take North Wing elevators to level E2 to reach the underground Extension Building. The elevators in the South wing DO NOT go to the Extension building. There are also stairs, although they can be difficult to find. The capitol guards are exceptionally friendly and helpful if you need assistance.

House and Senate Galleries are located on the 3rd floor of the main building. Rules are posted at the entrance.

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LEGISLATIVE TOOLS

  • 5 Calls - https://5calls.org/ - find summaries & scripts on current issues, as well as contact information for members of congress

  • Mobilize - https://www.mobilize.us/ - petitions, events, & volunteer opportunities

  • Resistbot - https://resist.bot/ - turn your texts into a letter, and deliver it to the elected officials

 

FIND YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Find your US Senator

Find your US House Representative

Find your TX State Senator

Find your TX State House Representative

TX House Committees

TX Senate Committees

 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Killeen Daily Herald (300 wds)                                                        

Temple Daily Telegram (250 wds)     

Salado Village Voice - news@saladovillagevoice.com                   

Waco Tribune Herald (300 wds)

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