Government Affairs
is the art of persuasive communication with decision makers that results
in their agreement to adopt policies or programs that positively impact
your client. It can also involve getting a decision maker’s agreement
not to change an existing policy or program.
The first question is: "To
whom do you communicate?" The government relations professional has
a whole series of important recipients of the information. The list no
doubt includes: the staff of the appropriate committees; the technical
staff of the legislative leadership; the governor’s staff; the policy
making staff within the appropriate executive department which oversees
the matter; associations knowledgeable about the problem; statewide
business associations; the media and, most important, the person or
persons who make the decisions.
The second question is:
"What should be communicated?" The essence of the message must
be carefully drafted to avoid confusion, or worse, misinterpretation by
either those who agree or those opposed to your position. Some tactics
may involve amendments to other non related legislation to clearly focus
the battle. The next question is: "When will the message be
communicated?" That answer involves a timing strategy devised to
handle the issue. Sometimes advocates do most of their work during the
hectic last days and nights of the session. Once again, the plan must be
followed.
The final question, then is:
"How will the message be delivered and where will it be
delivered?" Your professional team will analyze the problem and
develop options for your review and selection.
With every piece of legislation
there are winners and there are losers. The public or private
organization has to decide which side of the legislative issue
represents their best business interest. Today, more than ever, there is
a need for a government affairs specialist who is responsible for the
day to day activities of federal government, state governments and, in
some cases, local government issues.
The title of a person who
practices the art of government affairs or government relations is
"lobbyist". There are many stories about how the name lobbyist
was coined. One is that it comes from the special interest
representatives who gathered in the lobby of the Willard Hotel in
Washington, D.C. to talk to the Members of Congress who spent time
there. A lobbyist is the person who is paid to represent a group, or
groups, primarily before the legislative branch but also before the
executive branches of government. The lobbyist is paid to protect the
special interest groups to advance their position as well as protect
them from laws that may hinder their mission. A good lobbyist knows the
rules of how government works inside and out, sometimes better than the
lawmakers themselves.
A competent lobbyist has the
ability to get a bill introduced or get one sidetracked. One much used
tactic is to get a legislator to offer an amendment to a piece of
legislation and then work to have the amendment adopted. A good lobbyist
should be able to get a concerned public or private executive or manager
an appointment to see any legislator necessary. A seasoned lobbyist
knows who the other lobbyists are who will be working for and against
the issue and can form partnerships with those who are also working for
the same outcome.
Every lobbyist needs home
office support, whether it be analyzing pieces of legislation for the
potential impact on the company or group and then giving direction on
the company’s position, or preparing information for use by the
lobbyist in amending a troublesome law or regulation that impedes
progress. A lobbyist is the mouthpiece for company policy; they should
not create company policy.
The question is often asked,
"What are Contract Lobbyists?" Essentially, they are hired
guns who represent their clients before civil servants, public officials
or their staff. They are paid a fee for representing their clients and
lobbying for their clients’ cause. The clients’ are paying for the
contract lobbyist’s ability to gain instant access to the civil
servants, public officials or their staff who can help resolve their
clients’ problems or situations. It takes time, energy and effort to
develop the instant access to the correct people necessary to handle
their clients’ issues or problems. Most contract lobbyists cannot
effectively work in more than one political jurisdiction.
Why would one need to hire a
contract lobbying firm? It can save time, energy and effort. If your
in-house lobbyist needs more assistance with a public or government
affairs matter, then you might consider hiring a contract lobbyist.
Another advantage is that you do not have to tie up one of your team
members to work full time on the task of getting to know all of the
civil servants, public officials or their staff who can help you with
your problem.
The Principals of The Trammell
Group have experience in the evaluating and hiring of contract lobbyists
throughout the United States. We will ask the local lobbying community,
as well as other local knowledgeable individuals questions to make sure
we are obtaining the services of the best contract lobbyist to represent
your business concerns. Additionally, we know how to make sure your
problem is indeed the number one matter being handled by your contract
lobbyist.
At The Trammell Group, we can
help you find and develop the right person or persons to represent your
organization before the legislative and executive bodies. We can help
you locate a contract lobbyist who makes your company their priority and
helps us solve your problem or situation.
Just
ask us how.
