A Citizen's Guide to Participation in the Wisconsin State Legislature Prepared by the Wisconsin Legislative Council Staff, 2023

Citizens participate in all levels and branches of government.  Three key ways in which citizens participate in the Legislative Branch are by:

• • Being informed about the affairs of government;
  • Communicating with their elected representatives; and
  • Testifying at public hearings held by legislative committees.

This guide is a general description of typical procedures in the Wisconsin Legislature and designed to help you, the citizen, participate in the Wisconsin State Legislature. It is in the following parts:

• • Introduction to the Legislature
  • How to Find Legislative Documents and Follow the Legislative Process
  • How to Contact Your Legislator
  • How to Testify at a Public Hearing
  • Glossary of Common Legislative Terms