Capitol Update: How to Make Your Voice Heard

Tips for Testifying at the State Capitol

With the 2019 legislative session now underway, there will soon be many opportunities for the public to share opinions on various bill proposals at the state Capitol through the legislature’s public hearing process.

Have thoughts about tolls, taxes, or marijuana?

Want to advocate in support of a particular bill?

Have a story you think lawmakers need to hear before they develop a new policy?

Public hearings provide an opportunity to do all of that and more.

The Capitol may seem intimidating, but testifying is meant to be open and welcoming to everyone. Here are some tips to keeps in mind before you testify:

1. To find out when public hearings will be, you can view the calendar on the homepage of the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) website at cga.ct.gov. You can also view agendas for upcoming hearings by visiting the Committee pages on cga.ct.gov. Feel free to call my office at 1-800-842-1421 for help.
2. Most hearings take place at the Legislative Office Building, located at 300 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. The hearings will have signup sheets outside of the hearing room at least one hour before the hearing starts. Speakers are usually taken in a “first come-first serve” order so plan to arrive early to sign up early. Room numbers for public hearings are identified on the CGA calendar and on TV screens around the Legislative Office Building.
3. Keep your testimony focused. Speakers are usually given 3 minutes to speak. Bring multiple copies of your testimony to hand out to legislators. Hearings can be very long, and legislators may come and go. All testimony will be recorded and shared with lawmakers after the hearing as well.
4. When it’s your turn to speak at the microphone, sit at the speaker’s desk, state your name and address the chairs of the committee. You can read directly from your written testimony or summarize in short remarks. After you speak, remain at the microphone for a moment, in case committee members want to ask questions. Then return to your seat or leave the hearing.
5. If you cannot make it to the Capitol, you can submit written testimony via email. Individual committees will accept testimony at a designated committee email address. Visit cga.ct.gov, click on “Committees,” click the appropriate committee, scroll to “contact” and click on “public hearing testimony.” Make sure to include the bill number in your email. If you are unsure of where to send your testimony, please contact my office at 1-800-842-1421.

If this all still seems overwhelming, please do not hesitate to call my office at any point this session for help tracking a bill or figuring out how or when to testify. Contact me at [email protected] or call 1-800-842-1421. Public hearings give everyone an opportunity to participate in state policy making. My goal is to make sure all my constituents feel empowered to speak out and share their ideas when it matters most.