June 2020

Doctor and patient wearing masks

As we mentioned in a previous blog post about why lobbying will be important as a result of COVID-19, hiring a lobbyist is a critical move to prepare for the future of your company in 2020 and beyond. But, even before the virus hit, hiring a lobbyist was and still remains important if you are in the healthcare industry, especially within the skilled nursing or long-term care sector. Due to the effects of COVID-19  on the elderly or those with a weakened immune system, residents of these communities are dying at a much higher rate. Nursing homes are currently fighting for federal protections from Congress to ensure they do not get sued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

How Lobbying Can Help

There are more than 20 states, at this point, that have taken action to limit exposure to legal liabilities. According to a recent article, over 1,300 coronavirus-related lawsuits have been filed since May 1st, 2020, with a total of 2,600 filed in 2020. In fact, businesses are pushing their lobbyists focus to legislators to ensure the implementation of business liability protections. This shield would have a reach-back period so the companies that have lawsuits already against them, would be cleared. 

Be Proactive Before It’s Too Late

The healthcare industry, and especially nursing homes, has been a quiet but powerful lobby force for years. Because the regulations for skilled nursing facilities are heavily influenced by the government, itis necessary that facility owners have proper representation. However, waiting too long to hire a lobbyist can hurt your business by not ensuring government representation soon enough. 

The Difference At Dorn

At Dorn Policy Group, we have expert experience at the state and federal levels to give your company the representation it needs to influence policy. During these uncertain times, it is important to have a plan of action ready to go rather than scramble at the last minute to protect your business. Contact us today to help give your healthcare facility the government presence it needs and let your voice be heard. 

Teacher standing in from of classroom full of students

At Dorn Policy Group, we specialize in many different issue areas including education, both K-12 and higher education. Our client K-12, Inc.,  offers many different educational tools for students, teachers, and administrators to help during this unprecedented time. If you are an educational institution, it is crucial to have a lobbyist to ensure your institution is funded and able to provide the right tools to students, teachers, and administrators. 

The Future of Remote Learning

Even before COVID-19, more and more schools began to implement an online program. Charter schools and higher education virtual programs have been growing in popularity as they allow students to have access to a classroom setting regardless of their geographical location. As a result of COVID-19, Arizona schools have incurred additional costs they were not prepared for. Remote learning will continue to grow; however, lobbyists can help to ensure funding remains available and steady flowing. 

Lobbying for Education

You may wonder, why would educational institutions need a lobbyist? Lobbying firms help schools attract and retain government funding. Funding for programs remain slim; therefore, it is important to have representation when legislators are voting on funding mechanisms. At the higher education level, schools face heavy competition to retain funding for various programs. By increasing your presence in front of the right government officials through an experienced lobbying firm is the first step in keeping your funding intact. 

At Dorn Policy Group, we have very extensive experience with education policy funding on the State and Federal levels. Now more than ever, it is crucial to partner with a lobbying firm to protect education funding from being cut. Due to the effects of COVID-19, it is important that students have access to educational resources. Contact Dorn Policy Group to learn more about how lobbying can protect your institution’s funding. 

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