TIPS FOR WRITTEN TESTIMONY

Identify yourself as a constituent.

Include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address.

Be specific.

Identify the specific bill you are writing about and your position (support or oppose).

Be focused.

Speak directly to your reasons for your position on the bill. If possible keep testimony to one page. Data, recent research results, or graphics can be helpful as long as they are directly relevant to your position.

Be personal.

Explain how the legislation you’re writing about affects you, your family, your friends, your business or community, and perhaps most importantly, your favorite lake or lakes.

Don’t exaggerate.

Do not make arguments that cannot be substantiated as those are impossible to defend. and put your credibility at risk.

Be clear.

Let the legislator know what action you’d like them to take. Ask them to support a bill directly (if they are on the right committee) or ask them to talk to their colleagues and gin up support (or opposition). 

logistics for written testimony

To submit written testimony online, visit www.legislature.maine.gov, and click on the “Testimony Submission” button (bottom right). At the next screen select the committee where the bill originates, then the date of the hearing. Finally, check the box for the bill you are addressing. 

Upload your document (Word or PDF file) or type your testimony directly into the submission box. Below that, add your full name, town or organization in Maine (either full-time or part-time/seasonal residence), email and phone. 

Note that testimony is shared with the public and is searchable via Google or other internet browsers. Do not put personal information you are not comfortable sharing with the public into your written testimony.

Testimony uploaded before the public hearing date will be added to the bill's "home page". If you want to view bill testimony, go to www.legislature.maine.gov, and search for bill be LD number or key word from the title. 

Listen to hearings as they happen: Click HERE for hearings at the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and HERE for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 

at www.mainelegislature.org. Click on the Audio link on the top right of the page.