Sample Consumer Testimony

2010 House Hearing Information

The Honorable Dereck E. Davis, Chair

House Economic Matters Committee

House Office Building, Rm 230

Annapolis, MD 21401

 

February 2010

 

Re: Testimony in Support of HB 716 – Direct Wine Shipper’s License

 

Dear Chair Davis and Members of the Committee:

 

As a consumer who enjoys good wine and good food, I am frustrated that the state in which I reside and to which I pay taxes is preventing me from accessing wines of my choice.  I perceive this as government telling me what I can and can not purchase, consume and enjoy.  I do not understand why I am not afforded the same right that residents of 37 other states enjoy.  I do not understand why my state, the Free State, does not encourage free commerce in this arena.  While Maryland is progressive in so many areas, it is clearly behind the times with regard to this issue. 

 

***Personal Story***

 

(For PERSONAL STORIES, please talk about specific instances where you were unable to purchase a wine you wanted or were unable to have a wine [Maryland, or otherwise] shipped back to you after visiting a vineyard, or were unable to join a wine of the month club because of the current law.  Making the story as emotional and compelling as you can is critical.  Stories that focus on how you wish you could have Maryland wine more readily accessible will be especially poignant for the Committee as it shows how the legislation will help Maryland wineries, helping Maryland business and job growth.)

 

I ask the Committee to support my right as a Maryland consumer to purchase the wines of my choosing and have them delivered to my home.  Please support free commerce in the Free State and enhance consumer choice by voting favorably on HB716.

 

Sincerely,

 

X

(Name)

(Home Address)

(Phone Number)