One of the most effective tactics to getting legislation passed during the Legislative Session is having nurses testify about what they are experiencing on the frontlines. Here’s what you need to know if you have the opportunity to testify!
Important things to remember:
- You are the expert! You are testifying to share your story and the issues you and your colleagues are experiencing trying to do your jobs to keep patients and the community healthy. Don’t worry if you don’t know every single thing about the bill.
- Everyone is still learning how to do this work virtually. If you have any technology hiccups, know that you aren’t the first and won’t be the last.
- If someone asks you a question that you don’t know the answer to or feel uncomfortable answering, just say you aren’t sure. You can always re-direct the question to an MNA lobbyist.
- MNA has your back.
Tips and recommendations:
- Find the space in your home that gets the best Wi-Fi reception. If possible, set-up a comfortable space so you have your testimony readily available and a spot for your computer so you aren’t distracted by holding it.
- Make sure you have the Zoom App downloaded if you are accessing the meeting through your phone or tablet.
- Sign-in to the Zoom hearing a few minutes early to troubleshoot any issues with gaining access.
- If you have issues signing-in the day of, contact Jessica Nyman at 651-202-0367.
- Spend some time reciting your written testimony out loud ahead of the hearing so you become comfortable with your testimony.
- Mute your microphone when you aren’t speaking.
Legislative Committee Norms and Practices
- We recommend business casual attire – a sweater, blazer, button-down shirt. However, it’s not required, and if you’re joining after just finishing a shift or about to start a shift, you can keep your scrubs on.
- You will need to state your name before speaking, and you should wait for the Chair to call on you before starting your testimony.
- It’s expected that you “go through” the Chair when responding to questions. For example, if Rep. Greenman asks you a question, before responding, you would say, “Chair, Rep. Greenman,” and then proceed with your answer.
- All questions come from the committee members; testifiers should not ask questions of the committee.
What to expect:
- You will be called on when it’s time for you to speak.
- Unless a legislator asks you a question directly about your story or testimony, you will not be expected to answer and should allow someone else (the bill author, for example) to answer the question.
If you are interested in assisting with MNA’s efforts to get important legislation passed by testifying, contact MNA Political Organizers Aaron Woida, 612-860-8316 Aaron.Woida@mnnurses.org or Cameron Fure, 651-252-5028 cameron.fure@mnnurses.org.