Although many people are skeptical as to the impact of a public hearing, they are in fact really significant to the legislative process. Testimony is always useful and it is important for you to be there in order to show your support for the bill that is being considered. Through your testimony, legislators will really be able to get a sense of the impact the legislation will have your community, district, or state.

Consider these tips as you prepare for the hearing:

• Members of Congress generally like to hear anecdotal testimonies by people who have experienced the conditions personally.
• Learn about the issue and review the Alpha-1 talking points
• Coordinate with your Alpha-1 public policy liaison.
• If you have a statement, bring copies for all of the members of the committee who will be listening to your testimony. Do not read your testimony, but instead use it as a guide.
• Make sure that you address the members of the committee with their appropriate titles. “Mr. Chair” or “Madam Chair” should be the forms used to address the chair of the committee. Other members should be addressed as “Senator” or “Representative”.
•  Introduce yourself. Give your name, as well as the city or town that you come from. If you are representing an organization, give its name and a brief description of its function.
• Share with the committee why you think this bill is important. Also mention who will be directly affected by the bill (share anecdotes and personal experiences).
• Answer questions calmly. If you do have the answer to a question, say so, and tell them you will attempt to find the answer for them.
• At the end, thank the chair and members of the committee for taking the time to listen to your testimony.

Please contact the Alpha-1 Association by either calling at (305) 648-0088 or e-mailing: advocacyaction@alpha1.org to let us know how your testimony went.