• In order to accommodate as many witnesses as possible, some variations in the time schedule may be required. There will be an effort to minimize such variations as much as possible. BUT THOSE PERSONS SCHEDULED TO PARTICIPATE DURING THE LATE AFTERNOON SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR ASSIGNED TIME PERIOD TO AVOID MISSING THE OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY SHOULD THE HEARING ADJOURN EARLY.

• Please limit your oral testimony to five minutes, thereby showing consideration for the many other persons wishing to participate. Your cooperation is appreciated by all and will allow the hearing to proceed smoothly, without unwanted delays.

• Prepare a typed text of your remarks and leave 25 copies with the committee staff just prior to your testifying. These copies will be distributed. It is advisable to summarize or read your remarks while the committee reviews the full text. If you choose, you may also distribute copies of your summary.

• The text of your testimony should be clear and concise. If possible, please refer to specific sections(s) and page numbers(s) of your testimony and/or the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget where your testimony is directed.

• Prepared text should be addressed to the Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and should include the name of the person(s) speaking, organization, address, phone and fax numbers, and E-mail address.
Your testimony will become a permanent part of the public record.
• Please do not "share" your time with others who have not been scheduled to appear before the committee. The committee will try to be as accommodating as possible in hearing your full presentation, but please remember the many other persons who also wish to testify. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY WITHIN THE FIVE MINUTES ALLOTTED.
• Do not be disappointed if members of the committee do not question you or discuss the points you make in your testimony. Very often, members may already agree with the points you are making, and sometimes they may have heard the same important points during the course of the public hearings. The members of the committee do, in fact, appreciate the time and trouble you are taking to appear before them.
   
• In the event you cannot appear to testify, you may mail or email your testimony to the Legislative Budget and Finance Office, State House Annex, PO Box 068, Room 140, West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0068 c/o Diane Hansen at dhansen@njleg.org.

NOTE: You can only testify at one Senate public hearing. We prefer that those participants from statewide or national organizations with multiple chapters, offices, locations, etc., consolidate their efforts and select one person to represent the organization at one Senate public hearing. Your presentation may include information pertaining to more than one department or topic.

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