How many of you have testified before the house committee???

[Rodinia]

I'm wondering.....I'm really wanting to testify before the house committee on the seatbelt bill. I'm nervous of course and excited at the same time. I know what I want to say is right and good but I also know I've tried to talk to people about being responsible for themselves and it isn't an easily conveyed concept. They listen but they don't hear you..

[AlanM]

Don't think of it as trying to convince anyone. Those who are sitting on the fence may or may not be convinced. Sometimes peoples minds are changed by the sheer volume of those who support, or are against a bill. Remember, they are ELECTED representatives.

[Russell Kanning]

Just speak your mind. It will flow that way. Try to make it short and sweet. I bet that goes over better. You will do great.

[Rodinia]

Does anyone here plan to go also?

[Russell Kanning]

Where and when?

[davemincin]

Hi Rodinia,

I've testified, and truth is it's a bit intimadating, but understand it is mostly just a natural reaction to doing something the first time. ?I'd suggest, if you can, plan a day to go watch some of the testimony before hand. ?Do believe, it will give you better idea of what to expect. ?During testimony pay close attention to the body language of the reps, it will give you a better idea of who is supportive and who is not. ?Keep you testimony short, you will see the reps float if the testimony is too long. ?Would suggest you pick about 4 key points. ?Keep in mind, someone may have already made the point that you had hoped to, and you don't want to just repeat. ?It will be enough to say you totally agree with Ms X. ?Not a bad idea to take notes, because you may find it a good idea to refute previous testimony. ?In any case, believe it is better to make only a couple point, and be clear and quick. ?Keep in mind you may have to adjust your testimony based on those who go before you.

Would suggest you also take a copy of your testimony to give to the reps, this is especially helpful if you are going to use stats or quote other sources.

Might I further suggest, that you touch base with Don Gorman...taylorgorman@juno.com....Don is a veteran of the political wars, and am certain he would be happy to answer any question or offer advise.

Dave

BTW Might be a good idea to mention in your intro that this is the first time you are testifying. ?I've noted, especially when gal's testify, the committee tends to take it easier on you.

[Rodinia]

The bill was only recently posted....I'm uncertain as to the time period in which the bill is posted till they hear it in committee.....I don't know if it is a "first come, first serve" basis or if the prioritize according to perceived importance. Ever which, I'll try to keep as "on top of things" as I can.....

[davemincin]

Unless I missed it the seatbelt bill is not scheduled for hearings with week.

The NHLA is working on getting the weekly legislative schedule out in a
more timely manner.  In addition several other groups are sending out
schedules.  Believe this on is from the LPNH:

Feb. 8
Judiciary  105 SH  1PM  SB 56 rel to non-use of seat belt as evidence in
lawsuits
                  1:40PM SB 207  est. crime of assault on the aged as a
separate crime
Criminal Justice 204 LOB  10AM  HB 285   rel to carry without benefit of a
License
                          1PM  Presentation on Homeland Security Dept.
Election Law  308 LOB  10:30AM  HB 516  rel to qualifications for elected
office
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
         205 LOB     10AM   HB 399  rel to informed consent before an
abortion may occur
Transportation   203 LOB  10AM  HB 286  to forbid pocket bikes & scooters on
roads
                         10:30AM  HB 352 permits police to reduce speed
limits to no less than 15 MPH
                         11:20PM  HB 378 rel noting citizenship on Licenses
Ways & Means  202 LOB  10AM    CACR 15  that any statewide taxes be used
solely for Education funding
                      11AM    CACR 13   forbidding an "income Tax""

Feb. 9
Public & Municipal  100 SH  11AM   SB 143 rel to impact fees for "public"
open space & use
Transport & IC    101 LOB   8:30AM  SCR 2 re-Authorize Transport Equity in
the 21st Century
Commerce         302 LOB  10AM   HB 313 rel registering business entities
                         11AM   HB 374  rel study how to aid economic
independence for all NH Citizens
Education     207 LOB     10AM  HB 650 rel repeal Ed Property tax, and
substitute grants to cover, under a formula

Feb. 10
Criminal Justice  204 LOB 10:45 AM  HB 385  est. commish to repeal felony
for 4th DWI conviction
Education    207 LOB      1:30PM   HB 646  propose a definition of "adequate
Education"
Election Law  308 LOB    1PM      HB 483  rel instructions on Ballot
Finance Div. II  210-211 LOB  10:30AM  briefing on Federal funding on
education
Judiciary   208 LOB    10:30AM  HB 368 rel to inclusion of testimony
                      11:15AM  HB 508 rel to ex parte  hearings
                      2PM      CACR 12  Investigate Judicial Branch
State/Federal 303 LOB  9:30AM   HCR 3  mandate Fed/gov investigate
discrimination against Italians during WW 2, and reparations as done c/o
Japanese
                      10:30AM  HB 520 rel to Patriot Act !
                      11:30AM  HCCR 4 Piscatua river & Portsmouth Harbor
are NH
Ways & Means  202 LOB  9:30AM   HB 522  rel to study Gaming options

[Rodinia]

I sure do appreciate all your responses. To quote Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451..."If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn"

How many reps will be at the committee hearing?

[Dave Ridley]

I did it last month just on the spur of the moment, it's really easy.

You can even take what I said and apply it to the seatbelt issue if you like; here is what happened to me at the school gun ban hearing:


--


Ok here's a report on the Hearing, or at least the part I saw.

There were three or four people who spoke favoring the bill and at least 8 or 9 against, while I was there.  I counted four relocated Porcupines in the room.

Yes I did get to speak, and I won the only applause of the hearing! Or at least the only applause during the 90 minutes I was there.

I said that generally, in my experience , when New Hampshire does something one way and the other states do it a different way...

We are right and they are WRONG.

I said that I do not want us to be more like Massachussetts, I want us to be more like US!

And I urged them to vote against the bill and left.

I think they mainly liked it because it only took 30 seconds LOL.

But it was a real rush!   Don Gorman was there (he used to be on that committee) and he says he thinks the bill is dead on arrival.

[Rodinia]

So, for example this bill is a department of transportation issue....are only the reps from that committee going to be there? I'm just wondering how many people I'll be speaking in front of....

[davemincin]

Generally the committee is about a dozen.  Really depends on the bill, and how many folks will be there to testify and or watch.  It's not uncommon to get 50-100 for some ot the hearings, but they will be behind you.  You get your own little table facing the committee.

My guess is this hearing will be playing to a full house.