Make Your Voice Heard in Annapolis
The Maryland General Assembly meets in Annapolis each year for 90 days to act on more than 2300 bills including the State's annual budget. The 427th Session began January 13, 2010 and adjourns April 12, 2010.
It is said that citizens are never safe while the Legislature is in session. If you believe our country and state are headed in the wrong direction, if you think taxes are too high, then you need to support your Delegates and Senator by testifying for their bills in Annapolis. We Republicans are outnumbered. That makes getting a bill approved very difficult and very frustrating for our representatives. Citizen support often makes all the difference. You can help by testifying to the appropriate Committee when the bill is scheduled to be heard or by submitting your testimony, in writing, before the hearing. Here’s how:
- Use the Maryland General Assembly website for all bills and more information: www.mlis.state.us
- Enter the Bill Number for a synopsis, hearing dates, and a hyperlink to the actual bill.
- To find a sponsor search at: http://mlis.state.md.us/mgaweb/sponsor.aspx
- A subject list is at: http://mlis.state.md.us/mgaweb/subjects.aspx
- Hearing schedules are at: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010RS/hearsch/hs_index.htm
- Listen to the Maryland General Assembly: http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/listen.asp
Current List sponsored or Co-Sponsored by Howard County Republicans Click Here
Following, is an additional link for Help Save Maryland, and is focused on illegal immigration. http://www.helpsavemaryland.org/files/MDGeneralAssembly2010Bills.pdf
Take Action
- If you submit written testimony, you can email it to your representative. They will make sufficient copies and provide it to the committee.
- If you plan to testify, read the following advice. Your testimony is limited to 3 minutes and will be timed. You may submit your testimony in advance to your representative.
Helpful Advice on Testifying
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Coat and tie for the Men. Dress, skirt, slacks for the ladies
- Bring business cards or "personal cards" to give to the legislator's staff
- If you wish to testify you must sign up prior to 12:45 PM
- Written testimony: 35 copies required - give testimony to the receptionist in Room 101
- Seating is limited - plan to be in your seat by 12:30 PM
- Arrive early - your best chance to meet in person with the Senators is before 9:45 AM
ACTION PLAN BEFORE THE HEARING
- Always be polite, respectful and courteous
- Do not engage in debates with delegates or staff members - state your position and move on - you can follow-up with a letter after the hearing
- Visit the offices of the committee members that are not on our side. Visiting those who support our Party is not a good use of your time
- If a committee member is also YOUR delegate, make sure to let the delegate or staff member know that YOU are a CONSITUENT
HEARING & TESTIMONY
- The Chairman’s word is law - he always has the final word - don't challenge him
- Be respectful, do not clap or boo - it will only hurt the party
- When giving testimony, keep your voice even and dignified
- Answer questions to the best of your ability, NEVER lie, if you don't know the answer to a question, simply state so - no one expects you to know everything
- Do not engage in debate during questioning
- Be careful and do not allow hostile delegates to "bait" you into saying something inappropriate. If you believe you are being "baited", side step by suggesting that you and the delegate discuss the matter after the hearing.
Avoid the Media, as they are masters at asking leading questions that can hurt the Party
For additional information regarding the above Contact Ken Aldrich