Sign - Up to testify before a house committee

"If you would identify yourself for the record, Ms. Butler." It's a big day for Melony Butler. Melony Butler says, "A little bit nerve-racking, but honored that my veterans military members and their families entrusted me to be their voice." She's come from Greater Minnesota to provide public testimony on an issue she cares about. Rep. Newton says, "If you would identify yourself for the record Mrs. Butler." Rep. Newton says, "Ms. Butler, I believe you are from Brainerd, or that area?" Butler says, "Sauk Centre." Rep. Newton says, "Sauk Centre, good." Butler says, "It's a long drive, but it's an important mission. It's one we have to complete enough to make sure we don't lose our veterans." Like Melony Butler, the public is encouraged to testify during committee meetings. Legislators attend committee meetings so that they can get a better understanding of a measure than if they would have just heard it on the House Floor. A committee meeting may feature testimony from experts and from the general public. The public can express their support or opposition to proposed legislation and public policy issues. Is there an issue you care about like Melony Butler, and would want to express your thoughts to the Minnesota Legislature? In this Point Made: Testifying at the House, we'll explain how you can go about doing that by first signing up to testify at a House committee meeting. Representative Frank Hornstein, chairman of the House Transportation Finance Committee, calls the sign-up process a simple one. Rep. Hornstein says, "The process is quite straight forward." The first step is to see what bills or issues are being addressed in the House. You can do that by going to the House Session and Committee Schedule Upcoming Meetings calendar on the House website. If you spot an issue you want to testify on, contact a committee staff person. Rep. Hornstein says, "Call ahead and say you would like to testify on the hearing and you'll be part of a list of people that will call on to testify at the hearing." You can find the committee staff members by going to the committee page on the Minnesota House of Representatives website. House Public Information Services can help you locate the contact information if you need additional assistance. The numbers to call the department are 651- 296-2146 or 800-657-3550. It is possible to sign up and testify on the same day a bill is heard in committee, but it's best to contact a committee staff person prior to the scheduled meeting. Rep. Hornstein says, "They normally will call ahead of time, you don't have to call ahead of time, it's preferable because then you get a sense of how many people are there and we can confirm we will have a list of people that will have called ahead of time to testify. Committee chairs will often times at the end of the hearing say" 'Is there anyone else from the public that has not had the opportunity to testify that wishes to testify in favor, or against the bill?' And once in a while, people will come, but we know if we have your name in advance that you've called ahead, you've most likely prepared your comments, you are not winging it, and that's always the best for us that we know that you're coming ahead of time. It doesn't mean that you can't testify, even if you just show up and the spirit moves you as it were, but it's always better to call ahead. " If you need accommodations such as sign language interpreters or large print materials, call 651- 296-1121 as far in advance as possible, or contact a committee staff person. Mallander says, "All committees have access to people who can sign for example and if we are notified ahead of time that that kind of service is needed, we can schedule that." Although testifying can be a little frightening at first, it is very important to democratic process. Mallander says, "Legislators are really quite anxious to hear from the everyday citizen about how some of these policies affect them and their communities." Melony Butler didn't let nerves get the best of her. Butler says, "Don't' let anyone ever tell you no. Be who you are and stand up for your beliefs and do what's right." And delivered testimony she could be proud of. Rep. Newton says, "Ms. Butler thank you. Very compelling testimony." By finding out what issues are scheduled to be addressed and contacting a committee staff person to sign-up to testify, you too can be part of this exciting and fulfilling experience.