Top Testifiers in Massachusetts 2021-22
Despite the switch to a virtual format, public participation remains strong
During the 2021–22 Massachusetts legislative session, public testimony at joint committee hearings remained both active and diverse. Our analysis shows that more than 3,000 individuals testified before Massachusetts legislative committees, offering insight into who is shaping policy discussions at the committee stage.
Who Testifies at Massachusetts Committee Hearings?
Out of those 3,000+ testifiers, 494 individuals were “frequent” participants, meaning they provided testimony at more than one committee hearing. These frequent testifiers included state officials, organized interest groups, lobbyists, and members of the public, all of whom are captured in our Massachusetts testimony data.
Interestingly, only 101 of the 494 frequent testifiers (about 20%) were either state agency representatives or unaffiliated members of the public. The remaining 80% came from organizations—highlighting how structured advocacy plays a significant role in Massachusetts committee hearings.
Issue Areas Represented in Committee Testimony
When frequent testifiers were grouped into the top ten issue areas, no single policy area dominated committee hearing testimony. Instead, the largest share fell into an “other” category, reflecting the wide scope of issues debated in Massachusetts.
This group included testifiers ranging from firefighters and educators to cannabis rights activists, underscoring how Massachusetts committee hearings attract voices from across the policy spectrum.
How Often Do Groups Testify?
Across nearly all issue areas, the average number of times an individual testified was three. Transportation was the lone exception, largely due to the high number of state officials involved, who were excluded from portions of the analysis.
Even with notable outliers—such as Merrie Najimy, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the top testifier of the 2021–22 session—testimony levels were relatively even across issue areas.
Virtual Hearings and Access to Testimony in Massachusetts
As the Massachusetts Legislature transitioned from in-person to virtual committee hearings during the pandemic, participation in testimony did not decline. In fact, the high number of individuals who testified only once suggests the process may have become more inclusive, particularly for those located far from the State House.
Tracking Testimony in Massachusetts Committee Hearings
With testimony continuing at a rapid pace, keeping up with Massachusetts committee hearings and public testimony can be challenging. That’s where InstaTrac’s MassTrac comes in.
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Email info@instatrac.com to learn how we help professionals access public testimony, committee hearings, and legislative activity across Massachusetts.