Morano acknowledges Troy Olson and opens public testimony
Morano acknowledges combat veteran Troy Olson from Councilmember Vernikov's staff, then reads public testimony rules including five-minute limit, no recording, and written testimony submission procedures.
All right.
Before we open the hearing to public testimony, I also want to acknowledge the presence of Troy Olson, who, in addition to being a combat veteran himself, is
a...
a terrific staff member for my colleague, Councilmember Vernikov, who is not even on this committee, but has a lot of thoughtful veterans legislation.
And I think his presence says a lot about my colleagues.
Commitment to following what's going on with veterans issues.
And Troy, we thank you for your service as well.
Now, we will open this hearing for public testimony.
I'll remind members of the public that this is a formal government proceeding and that decorum shall be observed at all times.
As such, members of the public shall remain silent at all times.
The witness table is reserved for people who wish to testify.
No video recording or photography is allowed from the witness table.
Further, members of the public may not present audio or video recordings as testimony, but may submit transcripts of such recordings to the Sergeant-at-Arms for inclusion in the hearing record.
If you wish to speak at today's hearing, please fill out an appearance card with the sergeant at arms and wait to be recognized.
When recognized, you'll have five minutes to speak on today's hearing topic, mental health services for veterans and military families.
I think Chair Caban and I are both going to be pretty flexible.
On that five-minute testimony requirement.
We'll hear all in-person testimony first, and then we'll turn to testimony on Zoom.
If you have a written statement,
or additional written testimony that you wish to submit for the record, please provide a copy of that testimony to the Sergeant at Arms.
And I can promise you, not only will the committee staff review that and include all of that written testimony into the report about today's hearing, but I will read every word of your testimony personally.