Legislators will hold public hearings on Thursday, February 19 in Room 438 of the State House for both of these bills. At 10 am, testimony will begin on LD 395, which amends the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs Settlement Act so that the Wabanaki tribes can benefit from most existing and future federal laws that apply to the more than 570 other federally recognized tribes. At 1 pm, testimony will begin on LD 785, a bill to restore the Wabanaki Nations’ inherent right to self-govern under the same federal laws that apply to tribes elsewhere in the United States.
You can support these bills by submitting written testimony online or speaking at the public hearing. If you represent one of the more than 300 allied businesses and organizations, please consider delivering testimony in person.
Writing your testimony
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- Follow our template. Find a template below for information to include at the beginning and end of your written testimony.
- Make it personal. Why does restoring tribal sovereignty matter to you? How might these bills benefit you, your family, or your community? Use specific examples.
- Be specific and brief. Keep testimony to about one page for each bill. Highlight a few key elements about what the legislation would accomplish and why it’s needed. (Find background in our FAQ and ideas in our Talking Points for LD 785 and LD 395.
- Go the distance. After submitting, email your testimony to your legislators (find them here) and Gov. Janet Mills (contact info). You can also adapt it as a social media video or a letter to the editor (find tips in our LTE Guide).
How to submit written testimony and register to testify remotely
You may submit written testimony as soon as the public hearing for LD 785 and LD 395 has been set, but ideally by the morning of the hearing for inclusion on the bill’s web page. If you plan to testify remotely, use this same process to register at least 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin. Please upload your testimony online even if you plan to testify in person.
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- Visit: https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/
- Select: Public hearing → Judiciary Committee → February 19, 10 AM → LD 395
- Check: “I would like to testify electronically over Zoom” if you plan to testify remotely
- Upload: a PDF or paste your testimony text
- Enter: your name, contact info, and organization you represent (if applicable), check captcha, and submit
- Repeat: For LD 395, repeat this process and in step #2 select February 19, 1 PM
Your written testimony will be shared with members of the committee, be added to the bill website, and become part of the bill’s permanent legislative record.
How to testify at the hearing
Allied businesses and organizations are encouraged to deliver testimony in person or via Zoom.
General tips:
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- Be patient. With many supporters testifying, expect a wait.
- Practice. Oral testimony is limited to 3 minutes – time yourself.
- Speaking order. The Committee usually hears first from the bill sponsor, then legislators, then the public. Supporters are usually called first, but may also be alternated with opponents in batches.
In person:
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- Submit online. Submit your testimony online via the instructions above in advance of the meeting. If you can’t submit it before the hearing, bring 20 printed copies of your testimony with you to share with committee members.
- Arrive early. Arrive at State House, Room 438, no later than 30 minutes before the hearing start time (and allow extra time for security).
- Sign up. Look for a sign up sheet near the door. The list determines the order in which you will be called.
- Listen for your name. When your name is called, sign in at the podium and give copies of your testimony to the clerk.
Via Zoom:
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- Register in advance. Register here at least 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin. Check “I would like to testify electronically over Zoom” and upload your written testimony. After you register, you will receive an email with instructions for joining by Zoom.
- Run a test. Test your video/audio beforehand.
- Waiting room. People waiting in the ‘Zoom Room’ raise their electronic hand until called on. When you are called on, you’ll be transferred from the waiting room to the committee room.
For accessibility accommodations, contact the Legislative Information Office as soon as possible by phone (207) 287-1692 or email lio@legislature.maine.gov. Find more tips and information about testifying on the Maine Legislature’s website.
Template for written testimony
To: Sen. Carney, Rep. Kuhn, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary
From: YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, HOMETOWN, ZIP CODE, AFFILIATION, IF RELEVANT.
Re: Support for LD 785, An Act to Advance Self-determination for Wabanaki Nations
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Re: Support for LD 395, An Act to Restore Access to Federal Laws Beneficial to the Wabanaki Nations
Intro: Sen. Carney, Rep. Kuhn and members of the Judiciary Committee, my name is (your name) and I live in (your town). If you are testifying on behalf of an organization, state that here. I am here to testify in support of LD 785 (and/or LD 395).
Testimony: [Make your case for LD 785 (and/or LD 395) here. See above for tips for effective testimony.]
Closing: Thank the committee members and succinctly summarize your take-home message.
