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.