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Navigating Connecticut’s 
2021 legislative session in a virtual environment. A thread 
2021 legislative session in a virtual environment. A thread
There are 
ways to safely testify this year. Live video via Zoom 
, phone 
, written
email, and even snail mail
.
ways to safely testify this year. Live video via Zoom , phone , written email, and even snail mail.
Start here at http://www.cga.ct.gov . Check out the schedule of events. Click on the date and time 
to view agenda and YouTube link. 
to view agenda and YouTube link.
Click the hot link 
on agenda to read the bill being heard. There is a lot of good information on this page and will grow as bill moves forward. Be sure you take note of the bill number(s) you plan to testify on. 
on agenda to read the bill being heard. There is a lot of good information on this page and will grow as bill moves forward. Be sure you take note of the bill number(s) you plan to testify on.
Instructions to testify are included on the website in the The Bulletin, found under the CGA Daily Records tab. 
Thorough instructions are provided. Note deadline 
for registering to testify via Zoom or phone. Signing up ahead of time is required! 
for registering to testify via Zoom or phone. Signing up ahead of time is required!
Click through for The On-line Testimony Registration form. Include the bill number. It is always a combination of letters and numbers. 
You can also call 
the number listed in The Bulletin if you do not have access to the internet, or if you won’t be at a computer on the day of the public hearing. 
the number listed in The Bulletin if you do not have access to the internet, or if you won’t be at a computer on the day of the public hearing.
Check your email to verify 
your request. Within 24 hours you will receive another email confirming your place. You can also 
cancel at that time.
your request. Within 24 hours you will receive another email confirming your place. You can also cancel at that time.
Prepare your testimony in advance. 
You will have no more than three minutes to speak. Personal stories 
are most impactful. Feel free to elaborate in written testimony.
You will have no more than three minutes to speak. Personal stories are most impactful. Feel free to elaborate in written testimony.
On the 
morning of the hearing, a speaker list will be generated and posted on the committee page. Go to “Public Hearings” and click “testimony” and select the hearing date. In the right corner, there will be a document labeled “Speaker Order.” 
morning of the hearing, a speaker list will be generated and posted on the committee page. Go to “Public Hearings” and click “testimony” and select the hearing date. In the right corner, there will be a document labeled “Speaker Order.”
Make sure to log onto Zoom before the hearing starts and turn off camera/microphone 
until it is your turn. You will have to wait to speak as if you are sitting in a hearing room.
before the hearing starts and turn off camera/microphone until it is your turn. You will have to wait to speak as if you are sitting in a hearing room.
You can also stay involved by observing your government in action. Wherever you are you are just one click away from staying in the know.
in action. Wherever you are you are just one click away from staying in the know.
Every legislative committee in Connecticut has a dedicated YouTube channel where you can follow all the action.
where you can follow all the action.
Reach out to your legislators if you want to know more.
We
to hear from you.
Stay healthy. Stay safe.
We
to hear from you. Stay healthy. Stay safe.
And that is today’s civics lesson on how to participate in Connecticut’s 2021 Legislative Session.
