June 8, 2015 •
Iowa Legislature Adjourns
The Iowa Legislature adjourned on Friday, June 5, 2015, after the Senate approved a state budget of $7.3 billion, effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015. Gov. Terry Branstad now has 30 days to approve or reject the […]
The Iowa Legislature adjourned on Friday, June 5, 2015, after the Senate approved a state budget of $7.3 billion, effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.
Gov. Terry Branstad now has 30 days to approve or reject the budget.
Photo of the Iowa State Capitol by Carol M. Highsmith on Wikimedia Commons.
June 5, 2015 •
Alabama Legislature Adjourns
The Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday, June 4, 2015. However, Gov. Robert Bentley is likely to call a special session because there is no state budget in place for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2015. The state Senate […]
The Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday, June 4, 2015. However, Gov. Robert Bentley is likely to call a special session because there is no state budget in place for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2015.
The state Senate approved a budget but Bentley termed the Senate’s plan ‘unworkable’ and thus vetoed it. The House overrode the veto, but the Senate had adjourned for the summer before an override vote could be taken.
June 5, 2015 •
Our June Photo Scrapbook
State and Federal Communications employees acknowledged on their anniversary.
State and Federal Communications employees acknowledged on their anniversary.
June 3, 2015 •
See Us In Person!
Here is our summer calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello! June 4-6, 2015 NCSL Executive Committee Spring Meeting, Denver, Colorado June 8-10, 2015 US Small Business Summit, Washington, DC June […]
Here is our summer calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello!
June 4-6, 2015 NCSL Executive Committee Spring Meeting, Denver, Colorado
June 8-10, 2015 US Small Business Summit, Washington, DC
June 15-18, 2015 BIO International Convention, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 19-23, 2015 US Conference of Mayors Annual Conference, San Francisco, California
July 12-15, 2015 CSG MLC Annual Meeting, Bismarck, North Dakota
July 23-26, 2015 NGA Summer Meeting, Greenbrier, West Virginia
August 4, 2015 Astellas National Women’s Executive Day, Akron, Ohio
August 3-7, 2015 NCSL Legislative Summit, Seattle, Washington
June 3, 2015 •
Canada’s Lobbying Commissioner Releases New Code of Conduct
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd has released the new Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, providing additional regulation of those attempting to influence federal decision making. Among other provisions, the new code creates a “sense of obligation” test, prohibiting a lobbyist from lobbying […]
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd has released the new Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, providing additional regulation of those attempting to influence federal decision making.
Among other provisions, the new code creates a “sense of obligation” test, prohibiting a lobbyist from lobbying an official where they share a relationship close enough to create a sense of obligation. Additionally, the new code prohibits a lobbyist from providing gifts to a government official, regardless of whether or not the official is being lobbied.
The code’s effective date has yet to be determined; however, it is expected to take effect sometime after the summer.
June 2, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Feds have few tools to track foreign lobbying” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. “Squire Patton Boggs turns 1” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Hastert’s Lobbying Firm Rocked by His Indictment” by […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Feds have few tools to track foreign lobbying” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Squire Patton Boggs turns 1” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Hastert’s Lobbying Firm Rocked by His Indictment” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Kansas: “Kansas Lawmakers Approve Changes In Election, Lobbying Laws” by The Associated Press on KMUW Witchita Public Radio.
Campaign Finance
“Poll Shows Americans Favor Overhaul of Campaign Financing” by Nicholas Confessore and Megan Thee-Brenan in The New York Times.
“Why States’ Campaign Donation Limits Could Be in Jeopardy” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.
Ethics
“Hastert to appear before judge who donated to campaign” by Michael Tarm and Sara Burnett (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Dennis Hastert’s abrupt fall from college prestige” by Tarini Parti in Politico.
Pennsylvania: “2 Philadelphia Democrats Plead Guilty in Sting Case” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig R. McCoy in Governing.
Redistricting
Texas: “U.S. Supreme Court Takes On Texas Redistricting Case” by Patrick Svitek in Governing.
Government Tech
“Should Governments Trademark Twitter Hashtags?” by Brian Heaton in GovTech.
May 27, 2015 •
United Way of Summit County Drops By to Say Thank You!
We were excited to see Laura Brelin from United Way of Summit County this morning. Laura dropped by to present a framed “Campaign Excellence Award” to State and Federal Communications. The awards are presented to those organizations whose employees demonstrate […]
We were excited to see Laura Brelin from United Way of Summit County this morning. Laura dropped by to present a framed “Campaign Excellence Award” to State and Federal Communications.
The awards are presented to those organizations whose employees demonstrate outstanding excellence with at least 75% participation and either $100 per capita in giving or a 35% increase over last year’s campaign. We can proudly say our company had a $724 per capita giving in 2014!
State and Federal Communications is a proud supporter of United Way of Summit County. Aside from working hard each year on our annual campaign, we have had staff participation in the Board of Directors, the Corporate Volunteer Council, Day of Action, and the Corporate Derby Challenge.
Thank you, United Way! We look forward to many years of partnership.
May 13, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Amid Gridlock in D.C., Influence Industry Expands Rapidly in the States” by Reid Wilson for Washington Post Florida: “Legislators Approve Water Farming Funding after Copter Rides, Donations” by Craig Pittman and Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times Florida: […]
Lobbying
“Amid Gridlock in D.C., Influence Industry Expands Rapidly in the States” by Reid Wilson for Washington Post
Florida: “Legislators Approve Water Farming Funding after Copter Rides, Donations” by Craig Pittman and Michael Van Sickler for Tampa Bay Times
Florida: “Voters Won’t Get Say on Lifting Gift Ban” by Brittany Wallman for South Florida Sun Sentinel
New Mexico: “Lobbyists, Groups Spend Large on New Mexico Lawmakers” by Sandra Fish (New Mexico In Depth) for Las Cruces Sun-News
Texas: “Wendy Davis Fined $5,000 for Ethics Violation” by Terri Langford for Texas Tribune
Virginia: “Lobbyists Take Changes to Gifts Law in Stride” by Patrick Wilson for The Virginian-Pilot
Campaign Finance
“Bill Shuster Aided Virgin Islands – Then Asked for Cash” by Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, and John Bresnahan for Politico
“Jeb Bush Leans on Nonprofit Group as He Prepares Likely Presidential Run” by Ed O’Keefe and Matea Gold for Washington Post
Montana: “New Campaign Finance Law Praised, but Some Say It Needs to Be Toughened” by Charles Johnson for The Missoulian
New York: “The New Office Politics: Funding boss’s political causes” by Michelle Conlin and Lucas Iberico Lozada (Reuters) for The Times Record
Ethics
Nebraska: “Common Cause Files Complaints on Activity Surrounding Niobium Bill” by Joanne Young for Lincoln Journal-Star
“Bill Clinton’s Lucrative Speeches Got Fast Approval at State” by Lisa Lerer and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) for Fresno Bee
“Politics Is a Dirty Business. It Should Stay That Way.” by Chris Cillizza for Washington Post
New Jersey: “Report: Christie racked up $82,594 bill at sports stadium” by Karey Van Hall for Politico
Ohio: “Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic Resigns: The Big Story” by John Harper (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer
Vermont: “Vermont Lawmaker Accused in Sex-for-Rent Scheme” by Paris Achen, Zach Despart, and Adam Silverman (Burlington Free Press) for USA Today
Virginia: “Appeals Judges Pepper McDonnell Defense with Skeptical Questions” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Elections
“Study: State elections becoming less competitive” by Reid Wilson for Washington Post
“The Great Democratic Crack-Up of 2016” by Robert Draper for New York Times
Legislative Issues
New York: “Dean Skelos, New York Senate Leader, Vacates Post” by Thomas Kaplan and Susanne Craig for New York Times
May 1, 2015 •
Our May Photo Scrapbook
State and Federal Communications employees acknowledged on their anniversary.
![State and Federal Communications received the NEO Success Award. This program annually recognizes the top-performing companies in Northeast Ohio and reflects the determination to expand and revitalize the area's economic status. Bartz believes the demonstration of its core values sets the company apart from other similar small businesses, and those values are the ingredients needed to shift the direction Ohio is heading with diversity in the workplace. [l-r: Dan Frydl, Marketing and Sales Manager and Elizabeth Z. Bartz, President and CEO]](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/NEO-Award._lr.jpg)
State and Federal Communications employees acknowledged on their anniversary.
![There is no way to sufficiently show enough gratitude to those employees who give 110% effort day after day. The administrative professionals at State and Federal are truly second to none. Photographed here is our team of admins [l to r] Elizabeth Z. Bartz, President and CEO; Emone Smith; Megan Huber; Jon Spontarelli; Debra Mifflin; Monica Dolenc; Avery Ware; Becky Campbell; Joy Cosgrove; Mandy Lebus; and Lisa Kot. [Not pictured - Gamble Hayden, Federal Compliance Assistant] Thank you for your hard work.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Admin-Staff_lr.jpg)
May 1, 2015 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our May calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello! April 27, 2015 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC May 6, 2015 WGR Spring Reception at the Willard Hotel, Washington, DC May […]
Here is our May calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello!
April 27, 2015 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
May 6, 2015 WGR Spring Reception at the Willard Hotel, Washington, DC
May 7, 2015 State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s DC Dialogue: A Conversation about Ethics and Campaigns, Washington, DC
May 7, 2015 John Hockenberry at WKSU, Akron, Ohio
May 11, 2015 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
May 12, 2015 Go Red for Women, Akron, Ohio
May 14-16, 2015 Women in Government – Western Regional Conference, Denver, Colorado
June 4-6, 2015 NCSL Executive Committee Spring Meeting, Denver, Colorado
April 30, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “The Solution to Lobbying is More Lobbying” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post Massachusetts: “Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit” by Sara Morrison for Boston Globe New York: “JCOPE to Staff up as Duties Expand” by Chris […]
Lobbying
“The Solution to Lobbying is More Lobbying” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit” by Sara Morrison for Boston Globe
New York: “JCOPE to Staff up as Duties Expand” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“States Can Ban Elected Judges from Asking for Campaign Money, Supreme Court Says” by David Savage for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Politicians Cash in on Colleges” by Michael Vasquez for Miami Herald
Vermont: “Shumlin to Launch Sorrell Review” by April Burbank for Burlington Free Press
Ethics
Louisiana: “FBI Investigating Senate President John Alario, Sources Say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurik for New Orleans Times-Picayune
New York: “Assemblyman William Scarborough to Admit $40,000 Travel Voucher Scam Case” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union
Texas: “Senate Strengthens and Passes Ethics Bill” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Legislative Issues
Florida: “Florida House Abruptly Adjourns Session Early, Saying Impasse Is Insurmountable” by Mary Ellen Klas and Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times
April 13, 2015 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our April-May calendar. State and Federal Communications will be attending these events. If you plan to be there as well, be sure to say hello! April 13 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC April 14 Ohio Chamber of Commerce Annual […]
Here is our April-May calendar. State and Federal Communications will be attending these events. If you plan to be there as well, be sure to say hello!
April 13 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
April 14 Ohio Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Legislative Reception, Columbus, Ohio
April 22-23 Public Affairs Council Spring Executive Meeting, Washington, DC
April 27 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
April 30 DiversityBusiness.com Annual Program, New York City, NY
May 14-16 Women in Government – Western Regional Conference, Denver, Colorado
June 4-6 NCSL Executive Committee Spring Meeting, Denver, Colorado
April 13, 2015 •
Our April Photo Scrapbook
![State and Federal Communications, Inc. is always in attendance for the Public Affairs Council National PAC Conference. The 2015 Conference was held in Orlando, Florida. Attending were [l to r] Dan Frydl, Marketing and Sales Manager; James Warner, Sr., Esq., Sr. Compliance Associate; Nola R. Werren, Esq., Client Specialist; Elizabeth Z. Bartz, President and CEO; and Renold Koozer, Executive Director.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Staff-at-Hard-Rock_lr.jpg)
April 9, 2015 •
Exec. Director of WA’s Public Disclosure Commission Resigns
Effective May 31, 2015, the executive director of the Public Disclosure Commission, Andrea McNamara Doyle, is resigning. McNamara Doyle has served as executive director of the PDC since August 2011. According to an agency spokeswoman, the resignation is voluntary and […]
Effective May 31, 2015, the executive director of the Public Disclosure Commission, Andrea McNamara Doyle, is resigning. McNamara Doyle has served as executive director of the PDC since August 2011.
According to an agency spokeswoman, the resignation is voluntary and is likely the result of frustrations stemming from budget constraints and downsizing.
The PDC will meet April 9, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. to begin searching for McNamara Doyle’s replacement.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
