The Wisconsin Dental Association has advocated for several bills lately, and we expect to oppose another bill soon. Since providing public testimony is an important part of what I do as your WDA president, I would like to share a few tips in the event that you are asked to provide testimony.
Assembly and Senate committees do not plan hearings long in advance, so one might only get a few weeks or days to prepare. The first obstacle is to change your schedule to make it to Madison. Be sure to arrive before the hearing starts, even if your bill is not first. You need to complete a form to give to the page describing yourself and whether you speak in opposition or support of a specific bill.
Before your testimony, one should get to know the members of the committee. Get a feel for who they are and what they represent. Ask our WDA Director of Government Services Matt Rossetto if you should expect difficult questions. It is common to wait outside the hearing room before speaking. If other bills precede the one you came to support or oppose, you may wait an hour or two.
One should know the bill and the important talking points. Bring some prepared comments to assist you with your testimony. It is important to emphasize the key issues and present them with personal stories or experiences relating why a bill is important. It is possible that there will be some opposition, so be prepared for questions about all aspects of the bill.
Although I was nervous, the experience was worthwhile when you get to support an issue important to our profession and patients. Do not be afraid to draw on your professional expertise and any specific experiences that apply. Real life stories help legislators visualize the consequences of their decisions.
