Definition Of A Lobbyist

Lawyers' Group Wants Broader Definition of 'Lobbyist'

The American Bar Association is calling on Congress to make public more information about the lobbying business and the interests groups that seek to sway legislation and public policy.

In an internal vote, the ABA says Congress should adopt a new formal definition of “lobbying” that would shed new light on the industry.

Under current law, only individuals who spend more than 20% of their time actively talking to lawmakers and public officials in efforts to influence legislation are considered “lobbyists.” These people must register with Congress and file quarterly reports detailing their fees, clients and issues they seek to influence.

That definition of a lobbyist is too narrow, the ABA says.

The group says the law should require public reports for thousands of other people who work to influence public policy by “planning, directing or coordinating lobbying support activities” – but don’t talk directly with members of Congress.

That could mean more disclosure of the activities of public affairs specialists, strategists, pollsters and people who gin up grassroots support for legislation outside of Washington.

The move by the bar association is important because many of their members are registered lobbyists. Many of the thousands of formally registered lobbyists in Washington have become frustrated in recent years by people who take advantage of loopholes in the rules and don’t register as formal lobbyists.

In fact, the American League of Lobbyists, which represents the lobbying industry, supports the new regulations. “We are delighted that the ABA has taken the lead in recommending changes to the lobbying and campaign finance laws that increase transparency,” said Howard Marlowe , the head of the lobbying association.

The lobbying organization plans to recommend its own regulations in September.

I am so surprised this story has seen the light of day! And Delighted too! I know because I used to work with a so called non-profit 501C6 that actually runs a bootcamp for its staff on how to fly under the Lobbyist rules radar. The fact is like most trade organization groups they have an office inside the beltway, they do membership events in downtown DC and spend a lot of money there. Everyone likes it except thos of us who loose because they are there to lobby too. The truth is they lobby and they conduct surveillance on a 24 hour basis to get special favors from Congressman. The 501C groups make a lot of money and do not pay taxes either and that derives from the presumptive right to freely associate , hence ASSOCIATIONS. A clear example is HIMSS.org and the corporate shells they have nested inside one another; CCHIT & EHRA. With the help of Tommy Thompson and David Brailer they convinced the Government to mandate electronic health records in every doctors office. My, my, what a win for investors. Taxpayers will be paying for this for a long time. Grassley and Levin know about this, its time to act Gentlemen. Illegal Lobbying is illegal. Do you think we might need to enforce the laws that we already have? Holy Cowabanga! Expand the Lobbyist definition might mean the loss of millions in black money. ( Prince Bandar saying ” So What”).

Correction: School district did not hire lobbyist | StAugustine.com

The headline for an article in Saturday's newspaper incorrectly reported that the St. Johns County School District has hired a lobbyist.

That is not correct. The district hired a coordinator of government relations, which is a low-end manager, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Joyner said Monday.

"We've been fielding calls all day," Joyner said because of the incorrect headline, which read "School district hires lobbyist." The story itself was factually correct, he said.

"She's not a lobbyist," Joyner said of new hire Beth Sutkowy Sweeny, the coordinator of government relations. "We belong to a consortium and pay a small fee for a lobbyist that represents (public) schools." Sweeny is not part of that consortium.

Sweeny's salary will be $60,921, and she will receive the same benefits as other school district employees. Her travel reimbursement will be the same as for others in the district, and she does not have an expense account, Joyner said.

Sweeny is a former legislative aide in Tallahassee, where she worked for state Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico.

"What was a positive thing has been turned negative (by the headline)," Joyner said. The hire is in response to the district's most recent Strategic Plan that includes an emphasis on having more influence on policy and funding with legislators. Involving the public in the process is a major part of the effort.

"She'll help create a team of local individuals to formulate policy to help the kids. ... The team will work on (influencing) public policy, legislation and funding," Joyner said.

The Strategic Plan, which is revamped every five years, includes several changes in the district's organizational structure that are meant to meet the new objectives. The coordinator job is one of the changes.

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