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Political Science · Studypool

legislative hearing

Post ID: 3452788

Overview

Testimony assignment

This assignment requires that you prepare well-researched testimony as if you are giving formal written testimony in a legislative hearing. Your written testimony should be 3-4 pages single-spaced, plus appendices if needed (for a table with data or other accompanying evidence). Four pages are the absolute length for the text. You also need to provide a list of references (not counted against the page limit) that should include: (1) the legislation that you are speaking about and (2) at least seven “academic” sources that you have used to develop and support the views you present (not including the proposed bill). By “academic” sources I mean information obtained from one of the following:

  • refereed journal
  • book
  • U.S. government document, report, or data analysis (with text) from the government agency website
  • report of research conducted by researchers at a respected “think tank” (e.g., the Kaiser Family Foundation, Urban Institute, or Pew Research Center—check with me if you find work from an organization and want to know whether it is a reliably neutral source of quality research).

Beyond those seven sources, you may use additional sources that may include newspaper or magazine articles and information from advocacy organizations. Use APA style for references and format. With single spacing, please space between paragraphs.

Your written testimony should argue a position, related to supporting or opposing the proposed legislation. To identify appropriate legislation, check the websites of the mental health advocacy organizations.

You also can do a keyword search in any of these databases: https://congress.gov/ (the website of the Library of Congress for legislation), Proquest Congressional, or GovTrack. Links for all of these are at the library resource site for social welfare policy research: http://researchguides.library.syr.edu/social-work .

Do not use a resolution (H.Res. or S. Res.), but legislation that is a bill to create or change a program or policy (S. xxx or H.R. xxx).

Your testimony should contain the following:

  1. An introductory paragraph in which you identify yourself and the basis of your expertise for testifying on this issue (for example, experiences as a social worker; what you’ve experienced as a family member of someone affected by the policy, or….). You can invent a role for yourself. This paragraph also must include a brief summary describing the main aim/action of the proposed legislation, and the key proposed provision(s) that will be the focus of your testimony. You do not need to write about every aspect of the proposed legislation; you can focus on a specific aspect. You should also indicate briefly if you will be arguing for or against the legislation.
  2. Using data found in research reports and in the research literature, describe what the issue is, its current circumstances, why it merits attention, and the size and scope of the “problem.” Include here consideration of whether there is a special or differential impact upon particular individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities. This section of the testimony provides the rationale for legislative attention.
  1. Provide a “micro-story” to emphasize the personal element. A micro story is a personal experience you have had, the story of a client you’ve worked with, or the circumstances of an individual you know, that offers insight or information about the benefits (or hazards) of the proposed legislation. It should be a story about a particular person, not a description of clients or the situation, in general. The particulars of the micro-story should link to the content of the bill.
  2. Use the data and research findings, as well as your own expertise, to describe the probable effects if the legislation is enacted as proposed (could be good or bad possible outcomes). Be specific here about cause and effect relationships. Consider whether the probable effects will be different for different individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities, especially if those are defined by population characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, or disability. Keep in mind that sometimes it is the intersectionality of identities that is associated with a distinctive impact.
  3. Briefly state your recommendation and reasoning and rationale. If you have a specific modification to the proposed legislation that you think would improve it, state it here. The modification you recommend should be specific and closely related to the content of the proposed legislation (not a sweeping “should” proposal of your ideal world). Conclude with a summary sentence with your recommendation.
  4. You may include as an appendix table with specific data or other supporting “evidence” (totally optional). Reference the appendix information in the text of your testimony (e.g., Table 1 shows….).
  5. Put a list of sources (references) at the end of your written material. The full title and citation information for the bill that is the focus of the testimony should be on this list. If you meet the standard of 7 sources, this component will be evaluated as an average performance. Outstanding performance on this component will be awarded to those with a more extensive set of sources.

Write your testimony in the first person. Remember to use section headings and use APA format for references. Length should be 3-4 pages single-spaced, with a space between paragraphs. You do not need a separate title page or running head. Your testimony should be titled in a format similar to the titles of testimonies posted on the course BB site and other locations.

*Please do not plagiarize or use AI! turn it in cleared! I have my outline with the Bill I have already chosen. I will speak from the role of a college counselor! I'll also upload the rubric. Keep the language to the point and don't use a lot of jargon. But make sure the page requirements are met! Make sure any articles used can be fully accessed if i need to pull it up and cited correctly.

Here is my out line. My name is Emery Stokes, and I'm from Sapphire University. Here's my outline. Outline: Testimony in Support of H.R. 2638 — Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act

Title

Testimony in Support of the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act (H.R. 2638) [Your Name, Invented Role] Before the [House Committee on Education and the Workforce] [Date]

I. Introduction and Statement of Expertise

  • Introduce yourself and your invented role:
    Example: “My name is [Your Name] and I am the Director of Student Wellness at [State] University.”
    (Alternatively, as a student government leader or campus mental health advocate.)
  • Basis of expertise:
    Briefly explain your experience working with or representing college students facing mental health challenges.
  • Summary of the bill:
    State that H.R. 2638 would require the Department of Education to encourage higher education institutions to develop and implement comprehensive, evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention plans.
  • Focus of your testimony:
    Mention you will focus on the importance of a coordinated, campus-wide approach and why current efforts fall short.
  • Your position:
    Clearly state you are in support (or opposition, if you choose).

II. The Problem: Size, Scope, and Urgency

  • Describe the issue:
    • National data on college student mental health: rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among college-aged populations.
    • Specific risk factors for college students (academic stress, social isolation, substance use, transition to adulthood).
  • Current circumstances:
    • Variability in campus resources; some schools have robust programs, others have very limited support.
    • Lack of comprehensive, coordinated campus-wide planning leads to gaps in support, inconsistent messaging, and missed opportunities for prevention.
  • Why legislative attention is needed:
    • The consequences of inadequate support: academic failure, increased dropout rates, tragic loss of life.
    • Larger impacts on campus climate, student retention, and community well-being.
  • Disproportionate or differential impact:
    • Who is most affected? (First-generation students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, international students, etc.)
  • Cite academic and government sources.

III. Micro-Story: A Personal Account

  • Invent a specific student story (use a pseudonym):
    • Set the scene in your university; describe the student’s struggles and how a lack of coordinated mental health planning led to missed opportunities for help.
    • Example: “Last year, a sophomore named Alex faced overwhelming stress and isolation. The campus had counseling services, but Alex didn’t know where to turn—or that suicide prevention training even existed…”
    • Connect the story to the bill: “If H.R. 2638 had been in effect, Alex would have benefited from campus-wide suicide prevention efforts and proactive outreach.”

IV. Anticipated Impact of H.R. 2638

  • Project likely outcomes if the bill is enacted (using research and data):
    • Improved access to mental health resources and crisis intervention.
    • Early identification of students at risk and increased help-seeking.
    • Reduced suicide rates, improved academic performance, enhanced campus climate.
  • Population-specific effects:
    • How the bill will benefit marginalized and high-risk populations.
    • Intersectional impacts (e.g., first-gen LGBTQ+ students).
  • Potential challenges/limitations:
    • Implementation variability, funding needs, getting buy-in from all campus stakeholders.
  • Cite additional academic sources.

V. Recommendation and Specific Modification

  • State your recommendation:
    • “I strongly urge passage of H.R. 2638 to address the growing mental health crisis on college campuses.”
  • Offer a specific, realistic modification if needed:
    • Example: “I recommend adding a provision for ongoing evaluation and student feedback to ensure that mental health and suicide prevention plans are effective and responsive to student needs.”
  • Conclude with a summary sentence.

VI. Appendix (Optional)

  • Include a table or data visualization if useful:
    • Example: “Table 1. Prevalence of Mental Health Diagnoses and Suicide Risk Among College Students, by Demographic Group.”
  • Reference the appendix in your main text (“see Table 1”).

VII. References

  • APA format. Include:
    • The bill itself (as a government document)
    • At least 7 academic sources (peer-reviewed articles, books, government/think tank reports)
    • Additional credible sources as needed

Section Headings to Use

  • Introduction and Statement of Expertise
  • The Problem: Size, Scope, and Urgency
  • Micro-Story: A Personal Account
  • Anticipated Impact of H.R. 2638
  • Recommendation and Modification
  • Appendix (if used)
  • References

Tips:

  • Write in the first person (“I…”).
  • Use one space between paragraphs.
  • Focus on the main provision: coordinated, campus-wide mental health and suicide prevention planning.
  • Make your micro-story realistic and detailed.
  • Support arguments throughout with data and cite sources.
  • Use APA style for references.