Midway through January, a friend told me (somewhat out of the blue) that he was going to the Minnesota State Capitol to testify for a House committee in support of the Dan Patch commuter rail line. The bill aimed to overturn a moratorium that has prohibited the study of this route for over 20 years.
As a recent transplant with little knowledge of state politics or local involvement, I had no idea it was possible to speak in support of bills, nor was I aware of one moving this project closer to fruition. Legislative testimony was also new to my friend, and a small group of us ended up attending the committee just two days later to support the Dan Patch project. None of us had expected that, just two months later, we would have spoken on eight separate bills a combined total of 23 times.
A few months later, the committee period of this legislative session is coming to a close. Having just prepared my final testimony of the year (on the long-awaited transportation omnibus bills), I’d like to reflect on what I’ve learned in the past two months attending hearings and speaking on legislation. By sharing my experience, I hope to encourage readers to testify in House and Senate committees when the next session starts shortly after the new year.
Why Does This Matter?
In my 20 trips around the sun, I’ve called a few different parts of the country home. Moving to the Twin Cities, however, marked the first time I have ever lived close to a state capital. Growing up high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with no driver’s license, Denver was about as accessible to me as New Zealand; living in Nevada, my state capital of Carson City was closer to San Francisco than it was to my home in suburban Las Vegas.
That’s not to say I was especially interested in advocacy or political involvement in my childhood. It wasn’t until I moved to Minnesota and began my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota that I became eager to influence policy. But where do I start? As a brand-new Twin Cities resident, I didn’t feel I was qualified to speak on any local matter. I had never so much as written an email to a representative or a senator in my life. What could I offer in a public session that a lifelong resident or a bill author couldn’t?
If you’ve considered formal advocacy but have been held back by similar thoughts and perceived barriers, you are not alone. The point of public testimony is not to field expert opinions; rather, it’s a chance for members of the community to comment on how new legislation will impact them. What makes a bill important to you? What makes you care enough to sit down in front of a committee and share your perspective? Minnesota natives, recent transplants, short-term residents — whatever your story, the legislature deserves to hear from you.
Our policymakers have a lot on their plates. They’re expected to keep up with a mountain of legislation each session and be able to follow discussion surrounding dozens of bills presented in their respective committees. Representatives and senators draw from their own experiences and priorities that collectively shape their knowledge base. They remember interactions with their constituents. They remember the needs of their own communities.
Their experiences are not yours.
True, not all policymakers will be as persuadable as you might hope. Some may even staunchly disagree with your argument and your underlying values. Others, however, will be receptive to what you have to say. A lot of them may be less familiar with a specific project or proposal than you are. By testifying, you can offer the context or historical perspective they may be missing. You’re not expected to be an expert on every facet of the bill, nor do you need to address all of its nuanced language. Speak to what you know, and don’t be afraid to share a bit of your personal story!
My Experience
Testifying before a state legislature can seem daunting, to say the least. With only two days to prepare for my first House session, I had to quickly become familiar with which formalities are observed — how to address the chair, for instance, as well as the committee itself. As you’d expect, I was bit intimidated the first time I walked into the Capitol and crossed the rotunda. I had just taken my seat when roughly two dozen representatives (dressed way better than I was) filed into the room. There was a brisk, businesslike energy as the meeting was called to order. The minutes were read and approved, and for anyone wondering: Yes, the chair does have a small wooden gavel. It’s not something they made up for Judge Judy. Glancing at the representatives opening their briefcases and shuffling their notes, I felt a growing sense of self-doubt. What was I doing there? What could I possibly say in my precious two minutes that would have any sort of impact?
After a lengthy discussion of an EV infrastructure bill, the committee moved to House File 246: Commuter rail and intercity passenger rail moratoriums repealed. This was the bill that, if successful, would overturn the “gag order” preventing the study and discussion of regional rail in the Twin Cities metro. The chair called Rep. Jessica Hanson (DFL-Burnsville) to the stand, at which point she briefly introduced the bill and emphasized some of its language. The testifiers were then called in succession — some, like me, in person, and others presenting virtually. After the committee adjourned, my fellow testifiers and I had the chance to talk to Rep. Hanson, who was kind enough to show us around the Capitol and introduce us to other policymakers. As we walked around the representatives’ offices, we got a tiny glimpse of what a day in the legislature looks like.
It was a legitimately welcoming environment — a surprise after my initial perception. I quickly learned to not be intimidated by these committee proceedings; while they expect you to use respectful language and abide by established customs, they aren’t as strict and uptight as you might expect. It’s not uncommon for testifiers or even legislators to crack a joke or share a laugh. I’ve heard politicians jest about sports teams and poke fun at state rivalries. The mayor of Superior, Wisconsin once testified in support of the Northern Lights Express rail project, emphasizing that it would allow people from northern Wisconsin to come down to our concerts and sporting events, “though you probably won’t appreciate which side we’re on.” At the end of the day, these committees are made up of human beings; they expect everybody to uphold decorum, yes, but they do have a sense of humor.
How to Get Started
When the legislative committees are in session, their agendas will be posted on the Minnesota House and Senate websites. Look for a handful of committees that might be relevant to your issues and view their upcoming schedules. There, you’ll find a continually updating list of future meetings and which bills will be heard. This past session, I saved myself a lot of hassle by bookmarking these schedules and checking them frequently. If you want to follow any particular bills, you can sign up for email updates whenever there’s new action.
When you see a hearing that catches your eye — perhaps a bill you’ve been following is finally being presented, or maybe you see a new issue that’s relevant to your interests — look for a note on the agenda about public testimony.
There, you will find an email address for a committee administrator. If none is listed, look up the name of the administrator for that committee and reach out. Tell them your name and which bill you’d like to testify in support of or in opposition to. List any preferred honorifics and indicate if you are speaking on behalf of a formal organization. They’ll write back once you have been added to the speaker list, and just like that, you’ve got a date with the Minnesota legislature!
Your First Testimony
Show up to the Capitol in business attire if possible. There’s no official dress code for testifiers — you can wear a T-shirt and jeans if you have to — but something more professional creates a better impression. Give yourself enough time to find the room, take a seat and wait for the committee to be called to order.
After the minutes and discussion of any preceding legislation, the chair will announce the reading of your bill, the one on which you intend to speak. The author will summarize the bill, and the committee will move to public testimony shortly after. Once your name is called, make your way to the podium and settle in. There’s no need to rush; this is your time to get in a good headspace and set a comfortable pace for when you do begin speaking. Set your notes in front of you and adjust the microphone as needed. The chair will welcome you to the committee and ask you to state your name for the record before proceeding with your testimony. Be sure to thank the chair and the members of the committee, give your name as requested and state your piece.
It doesn’t matter if you speak for the allotted two minutes or for 30 seconds. It doesn’t matter how many speakers come before you or how many follow you. Even in a major city like St. Paul — in a state as populous as ours — your voice could make all the difference. Most committees and bills see surprisingly little public engagement; only a few times have I seen a fully packed room in a session.
You may be the only person speaking on a particular bill. Your words will certainly be in the minds of the committee when a motion is made and a vote is decided. Or maybe you’re one of several; in that case, you’re demonstrating widespread support and showing the committee what that bill means to the community.
Regardless, your voice will matter.
The Power of Your Words
I’ve spent enough time in the legislature to know that policymakers will remember what you bring to the podium. They’ll remember your experiences, your perspective — everything that makes the piece of legislation resonate with you. Don’t be surprised if some members of the committee paraphrase your words, either in the debate or the closing statement. Your testimony could even lead to relationships with representatives and senators. Ever since I started speaking at these hearings, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with policymakers about bills they sponsored and even craft amendments for future legislation.
The current session is drawing to a close, but there’s plenty you can do to prepare for next January. For a start, follow some bills that reflect your priorities and your hopes for 2024. I can think of at least a dozen that were written in the past month and couldn’t be squeezed into these last-minute agendas. Reach out to policymakers who have authored or promoted legislation you support. Ask how you can help and what action awaits these bills in the offseason.
You could be the reason a new rail line is studied. You could be the reason we lift the moratorium on nuclear energy. You could be the reason that a new bike trail is built; a dedicated transitway established; or even a major freeway demolished. You could be the reason more Minnesotans choose to live car free. You could be the reason our energy grid becomes greener, our cities more sustainable and our climate goals more achievable.
I’m incredibly proud to have been a small part of the legislative process this session. In just two months, I’ve the chance to advocate for the Dan Patch line, a potential “first domino” for regional rail in Minneapolis; the Northern Lights Express, which will provide a critical link between the Twin Cities and the Twin Ports; a new study regarding the production of clean hydrogen from nuclear power plants; the improvement of local and rapid bus routes through the replacement of shelters and the evaluation of transit signal priority; and the Minnesota State Rail Plan, one of the most ambitious in the entire country. Whatever difference you think you’re capable of making, whatever impact you think you can realistically create, it is positively gratifying to know that you’re speaking up for a better future.
To Reiterate…
- I’ve lived in Minnesota for less than two years;
- I am neither an expert nor a professional in any of the subjects on which I have spoken;
- Mere months ago, I had no knowledge about the legislative process or the finer details of state politics.
If I can do it, you can do it.
Sustainability is a future worth fighting for. We owe it to our cities and our communities. We owe it to the next generation who will shoulder the burden of our decisions. We owe it to this planet we all call home. A better tomorrow is waiting. And it’s ours for the taking.
All photos by author