The public is invited to offer testimony on Friday in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee's second-ever public hearing, this time focusing on funding for state Health & Welfare programs. The public hearing will run from 8-11 a.m. in the Capitol Auditorium, and people can start signing up to testify at 7 a.m.

Last week's first-ever JFAC public hearing, which focused on funding for public schools, drew more than 500 people and nearly 80 testified; JFAC also received written testimony from more than 400 people. As with last week's hearing, those who can't make it to Boise to testify can submit testimony in writing, as can those who show up but don't get a chance to speak; click below for full details.

JFAC invites public to hearings on health and welfare budget

Boise, Idaho – For the first time in its history, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) took public testimony this past Friday, January 21. Over 500 people attended the public hearing on the education budget and since then over 400 Idaho citizens have submitted written testimony.

     JFAC will be holding a second public hearing on the Health and Welfare budget this Friday, January 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Capitol Auditorium (located in the basement of the Idaho Capitol).

     Those wishing to testify (for a maximum of three minutes each) are encouraged to arrive early as the opportunity to testify will be given on a first come, first serve basis – with the co-chairs using their discretion to allow for geographic diversity and special needs. Legislative staff will begin taking sign-ups at 7 a.m.

     Those testifying are encouraged to focus on the budget and be specific in their concerns and comments. Members of the public are encouraged to bring their testimony in writing. Due to limited time, all who come may not get a chance to testify before the committee. However, all written testimony will be taken, added to the public record and distributed to all committee members.

     Those unable to attend one or both of the public hearings are encouraged to send their thoughts to JFACtestimony@lso.idaho.gov. Any comments sent to this email will be added to the public record and distributed to the members of the committee. The public hearing will be streamed live over the Internet and can be found at http://www.idahoptv.org/leglive/.

     For additional information, please call Idaho Legislative Services at  (208) 332-4730.

 
Keys to Successful Testimony

1.     Be specific. Tell the committee how you want the budget to look: what programs/projects need to be preserved, which will be least harmful to cut?

2.     Write down your testimony. If you get nervous, you’ll have something to refer to. Also, if you don’t get a chance to testify, you can turn in your written testimony. It will be added to the public record and shared with the committee.

3.     Arrive early. Testimony will be given on a first come, first serve basis (with some allowances, granted at the Chair’s discretion, for geographic diversity).

4.     Be polite. Committee members are most receptive to constructive, thoughtful comments. This is a forum meant to gather public input, and everyone should feel comfortable sharing their opinions.