KINE 5378: Written Testimony
In this class, you will have the opportunity to prepare a written legislative testimony statement for your peers, who will act as a state or federal legislative committee, regarding the public health issue you researched for your policy paper.
Format:
- Single-spaced;
- 2,500 words;
- Left-justified paragraphs,
- Single space between paragraphs;
- Section headings in bold;
- 11 pt. font;
- 1-inch margins;
- Cover sheet should include:
- Your name;
- Organization you are representing;
- Name and date of the legislation/policy you are addressing;
- Name of the legislative body and committee receiving the testimony.
- Graphics, charts need to be labeled (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, etc.) and referenced in the text (e.g., “as shown in Figure 1”).
- All factual statements must be supported by properly cited references, both in in-text citations and on a References page. You may choose to use APA-style in-text citations/references or footnotes.
Content:
- Acknowledge the legislative committee’s ranking member(s) and committee members.
- Briefly introduce yourself, highlighting your background as applicable, and provide information regarding the organization or program you represent.
- Refer to legislation/policy you will address; summarize the major points of the text.
- State your goal and outline your major points.
- Discuss adverse consequences that could occur under the current policy, citing evidence.
- Legislators can be moved to act by showing how a policy affects people, so if possible, include one or more anecdotes of real individuals who have been impacted by components of the current policy.
- Describe the health problem(s) you are attempting to mitigate.
- As applicable, describe current efforts to resolve the problem, including their limitations and/or how they can be improved.
- List your specific recommendations, citing evidence suggesting they would be effective.
- Close with brief summarizing statements and appreciation for their time and consideration.
