September 2020

Inside a basketball arena during game-day lobbying

How Lobbyists Advocated For Your Favorite Sports League

Each year top professional sports leagues go to Washington D.C. to advocate for and against policies that align with their best interests. These multi-billion dollar companies Include the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Even the NCAA enlists the assistance of lobbying firms to voice their concerns. Although it is pretty much impossible to know what specific issue each league lobbied, their stance, or even how much money was spent lobbying, there is enough information to get a better understanding of what lobbyists did for your favorite leagues in 2019.

Amount Spent on Lobbying

  • NFL – $1.35 million
  • MLB – $1.24 million
  • NCAA – $450,000
  • NHL – $120,000
  • NBA – $0*

The NFL was the biggest player in sports lobbying in 2019, followed closely by the MLB. From there, there is a significant drop off when compared to the NCAA, who was just shy of spending half a million dollars and the NHL spent about a tenth of what the MLB did. When it comes to the NBA it’s a bit tricky, even though they did put forth three separate reports, none surpassed $5,000 and exact amounts below that number cannot be reported.

Top Lobbying Issues

  • Sports & Athletics (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and NCAA)
  • Taxation & Internal Revenue Code (NFL, MLB, and NHL)
  • Gaming, Gambling & Casinos (NFL, MLB, and NCAA) 
  • Aviation, Aircraft & Airlines (NFL, MLB, and NCAA)

According to ESPN and Bloomberg Law, the NBA and MLB have been lobbying in over a dozen states to take advantage of sports betting since 2018. With sports betting increasing in popularity, it is safe to say the issue came up again last year. Back in 2017, American and United Airlines dropped nine NFL teams, leaving them with a huge sense of uncertainty when it came to traveling. According to the airlines, it was cheaper to use those planes for commercial flights instead. With NCAA and MLB teams having similar amounts of personnel aboard flights, they might face the same challenges the NFL did.

Amount Spent On Lobbying Firms

  • NFL – $1.21 million
  • MLB – $780,000
  • NCAA – $240,000
  • NHL – $120,000
  • NBA – $0*

The NBA outsourced their lobbying but the exact amount is unknown due to the fact their reports did not surpass $5,000. The NHL also outsourced their efforts due to the fact they don’t have a government relations office in Washington D.C. Even though the NFL and MLB do have such offices, the bulk of their lobbying continues to go to external firms.

Let Dorn Policy Group Work For You

If you are having trouble getting your voice heard by the policymakers who matter, let us be your advocate. As one of Arizona’s top-level lobbying firms, Dorn Policy Group is committed to providing results our clients ask for. Contact us today to learn how we can help you!

A red and white checkered water tower containing water resources for native american tribes

Funding Water Resource Assistance for Native American Tribes

Everyone deserves clean, potable water, and unfortunately many Native American tribes lack water that meets the Safe Drinking Water Act. In April 2020, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that six tribes will share $1.1 million through the Native American Affairs Technical Assistance to Tribes Program to develop and manage water resources for six tribes. 

Dorn Policy Group partners with several industry leaders and municipalities to advocate for/against policies that impact their businesses and communities.  We’ve successfully represented tribal nations on several issues that have led to improved state-tribal relations. Visit our website to learn more about our services and expertise.

Water Resources as Required by the Safe Drinking Water Act

The Safe Drinking Act authorizes the EPA to establish minimum standards that are designed to ensure safe tap water for public use. Under this Act, it also establishes standards for state programs to protect underground sources of drinking water from contaminates. In the case of Native American tribes, it is their responsibility to enforce drinking water regulations. But according to Close the Gap, at least 2 million people still don’t have access to clean drinking water or a working toilet. This is a major concern for native tribes and one that public policy can address through supportive bills.  

What the Native American Affairs Program will do for Tribals Nations

According to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, Brenda Burman, the $1.1 million in funds will “establish cooperative working relationships with Indian tribes and tribal organizations and ensure they can fully participate with Reclamation as they develop, manage, and protect their water resources.”

Each tribe will receive a specific amount that will go towards their water initiatives. For example, the Navajo Nation will receive $142,964 for the final design of a new water supply that will serve the community of Bodaway Gap, Arizona. But according to the Indian Health Service, it is estimated that it would cost $200 million to efficiently provide basic water and sanitation access across the Navajo Nation.

Let Dorn Policy Group Advocate on Your Behalf

Being heard by key policymakers is a daunting task for many individuals and organizations. For Native American tribes, it can be the difference between getting a fair amount of resources or being left out of state discussions. That is why it’s important to enlist the expertise of a lobbying firm. Dorn Policy Group has been doing this for 20 years, and we continue to meet and exceed our client’s expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in your goals.

EVCCA Acknowledges 2020 Legislators as Business Champions and Friends of Business

EVCCA Acknowledges 2020 Legislators as Business Champions and Friends of Business

 

September 1, 2020

Contact:  Dorn Policy Group, 602-290-2727

The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance named Senators Karen Fann, Frank Pratt, JD Mesnard and Tyler Pace, and Representatives Noel Campbell, David Cook, TJ Shope, John Allen, Nancy Barto, Kelly Townsend, Jeff Weninger, Jay Lawrence, John Kavanaugh and Michelle Udall Business Champions for supporting businesses and the EVCCA 100% in the 2020 legislative session.

“We are pleased with the number of legislators who received a 100% ranking this year,” announced John Hetrick, chair of the EVCCA.  “With the majority of our East Valley legislators received 80% or better this year, these results show their commitment to improving the business environment in Arizona.”

Those who received an 80% or better ranking were named Friends of Business: Senators Heather Carter, David Farnsworth, and Sean Bowie; and Representatives Steve Pierce, Warren Peterson, Travis Grantham, John Fillmore, and Rusty Bowers

Last December, East Valley legislators were presented with the EVCCA’s annual Legislative Priorities document to provide a foundation for session priorities.  Members from each of the chambers met on a weekly and monthly basis during the session to review bills introduced and evaluate their impact on the business community.  

Dorn Policy Group, the EVCCA lobbyist firm, tracked bills the EVCCA took specific action on by signing in at the hearings, one-on-one conversations, and at times formal letters.  At the end of the session, each East Valley legislator is graded on whether they agreed with the EVCCA position or opposed.  Not appearing to vote on an issue is counted as an opposition to the EVCCA’s position.  A report card is published with the results of our legislators’ votes.  

The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) represents more than 5,500 member firms from the Apache Junction, Carefree Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe chambers of commerce.  The EVCCA collaborates to advance the common business interests in the East Valley.

How Tech Companies Are Lobbying The U.S. Government

The world is currently in the midst of a technological revolution. According to Finances Online, the world spent $3.360 billion in 2019 on technology products and services for personal and business use. As a result, many tech companies are leveraging their resources to partner with lobbying firms to sway the U.S. government towards policies that benefit their industry. 

 

What are tech companies lobbying for?

Many tech companies lobby for similar goals. For example, many of the big companies are lobbying for online privacy rules, software piracy, patents, cybersecurity, and tax issues. While they may fight for similar goals, each company has their own specific priorities.

Google’s top issues involve telecommunications, copyright, labor, antitrust, and workplace regulations. In comparison, Facebook’s primary issues have been immigration, taxes, and computer and information technology. The social media giant has lobbied S.268, the CUT Loopholes Act, which is intended to keep companies from offshoring profits. 

Amazon is lobbying to reform the U.S. tax code for vendor collection of internet sales taxes. Their other major issues include copyright, patent, and trademark, as well as consumer product safety – to limit their liability if someone hurts themselves with their product. 

Opportunities for Smaller Tech Companies

While tech startups do not have the monetary resources that larger companies have, they can still make their voices heard. It is important for smaller companies to have their presence and concerns known by key policymakers as well. Smaller tech companies can enlist the assistance of boutique lobbyists to advocate on their behalf to influence policies in legislation. 

Many smaller tech companies are hiring in-house lobbyists so they have a team entirely devoted to having a presence in legislation. In 2014, Uber began in-house lobbying to go up against regulations that they felt were holding ride-sharing back. As a result, they spent over $100,000 in their lobbying efforts.

Tech Companies in Arizona

While people are not wrong when they say Silicon Valley is the hub for tech companies, Phoenix, Arizona is becoming a magnet for the industry. Deloitte reports 7 of the fastest-growing public and private technology companies in North America have locations in Phoenix, Arizona. More companies are setting up shop here primarily due to our lower cost of doing business, affordable quality of life, and a strong, growing talent pool. Subsequently, our tech industry is being called the Silicon Desert. 

Phoenix has become the perfect location for tech companies as it provides them an affordable option while remaining close to the west coast. 

 

Let Dorn Policy Group Advocate on Your Behalf

With more tech companies deciding to set up shop, it is becoming vital for them to have people advocating on their behalf. At Dorn Policy Group, we are experts in getting industries heard through strategic communication and strong government relations. Contact us today to hear how your company will benefit from our lobbying, policy, and advocacy services.

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