October 2020

The dome of a capital building in front of a gray sky lobbyists

In 2019, the total amount of spending reached $3.47 billion, the most it’s been in almost a decade. Congressional changes continue to create opportunities for lobbying firms to use their political influence as a way to convince legislators to make decisions that benefit communities, businesses, and nonprofits. While some people may feel lobbyists are a legal form of bribery, this is simply not true and is an integral part of the political process.

What is Lobbying?

Lobbyists are a group of advocates that work with a variety of organizations and individuals to influence political decisions. This support leads to new proposals, adding amendments to existing laws, and introducing new issues to legislators. It’s important to note that it is prohibited for a lobbyist to pay a politician to secure their vote in specific matters. 

Why Do We Have Lobbyists?

As we’ve mentioned, businesses spend a large amount of money to gain access and influence policymakers. It allows them to voice their concerns and have a seat at the table when deciding on policies that could impact an organization. While many people think these interest groups only lookout for big corporations, this is not always the case.

Labor unions are a very common group that enlists the help of lobbying groups. There are cases where lobbying firms have advocated for unions to provide better safety protections and benefits for employees. They also provide a voice for small businesses and communities to have a fighting chance for and against bills that can impact them.

The government has the power to help individuals and businesses, but they also have the power to hinder it. It is the lobbyist’s job to protect the interests of their client to ensure they continue to grow and be successful. Lobbying is fundamental in today’s political landscape.

Dorn Policy Group: Arizona’s Premier Lobbyist Firm

For 20 years, Dorn Policy Group has advocated on behalf of a variety of clients in different industries. We’ve partnered with organizations relating to aerospace and education to Native American relations. Contact us today to learn how our lobbying firm will benefit you.

A classroom full of students and a teacher school funding

If there is one thing people can agree on, it is that kids need the proper resources for their education. One way districts achieve this is through school funding. According to Bruce D. Baker, a professor of education at Rutgers University in New Jersey, students benefit from ample funding. School administrators and teaching staff also benefit from the funding. With proper funding, staff can be paid a more desirable salary, enticing more people to join the education workforce. 

By enlisting the help of an experienced advocacy group, professionals in the education industry can get the policy results they desire. At Dorn Policy Group, we have partnered with a wide range of industry leaders for over 20 years. Through strategic planning and strong political relationships, we have helped schools influence policies in their favor.

How School Funding Benefits The Students

According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y), it is not always about the money, but it is always about how it is spent – and the results. However, studies show when schools have more money, they can provide students with the resources they need for a better education. Unfortunately, schools in poorer areas often fall behind due to disproportionate funding. When studying how proper funding could help students from poor families, Kirabo Jackson and Claudia Persico from the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that with a 10% increase in funding, there was also an increase in students’ earnings as adults. 

There are two rules of thought in how schools use their funding. One, schools must meet the state-regulated minimum standardized test scores. The other, individuals believe investing in the equity of education builds stronger education institutions. While the end goal of both is to better support student education, it has created a call to action for both interested parties. 

How School Funding Benefits Teachers and Curriculum

With more money going to schools, the greater they can increase staff wages. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between increased teacher wages and student achievement. This is presumably due to the fact it will increase the school’s ability to hire and retain capable teachers. 

In addition, greater funding provides school districts with the capital needed to update their curriculum and resources, such as computers, textbooks, supplies, and before/after school programming. These resources are fundamental for educators to further student education.

Secure Your School Funding With Dorn Policy Group

For 20 years, Dorn Policy Group has been one of Arizona’s leading advocacy groups in government affairs. As a results-driven firm, we work with every client to ensure their voice is heard by the policymakers who matter most. Contact us today to learn how we can help you reach your goals.

A group of lobbyists discussing their strategy in a large conference room

A career in lobbying can be very rewarding as lobbyists are individuals who aim to influence political decisions. Lobbyists advocate at the local, state, and federal government for issues that align with the interests of a company, organization, or individual. Having exceptional verbal and written communication skills are a must. While the path to becoming a lobbyist can vary from person to person, there are some actions that can help accelerate the process and help you be successful in your lobbying career.

Lobbyists can give a voice to businesses and individuals by making their opinions and concerns heard by key policymakers. Lobbying for specific issues does not guarantee a favorable outcome, but it does get you a seat at the table. This is important when it comes to policies and decisions that might affect you or your business.

What Is Lobbying

Plain and simple, lobbying refers to the act of influencing and persuading local, state, or federal policymakers. Whether it is in support or opposition of a certain issue, a lobbyist’s job is to advocate for the stance that will best align with the interest of the company, organization, or individual the lobbyist is representing. Having a passion and deep understanding of a specific policy area will go a long way when trying to break into the field and proving your worth to lobbying firms or elected officials. 

General Requirements

Although you can become a lobbyist in several different ways, these recommendations will help you on your journey to entering the lobbying field.

  • Bachelor’s degree – A degree in public relations, journalism, communications, political science, law, or economics are all good degrees to get started in. You can also get a degree in a field you’re passionate about and minor with a political science or law degree to get familiar with policies.
  • Internships – Internships are a great way to earn real-world experience and learn more about the legislative process. Students can work in political campaigns as a congressional aide or for any agency or group requiring legislative representation. They can also help you earn credit towards your degree. Even with all of this, internships offer you a chance to start to build your professional network.
  • Networking – One of the most important aspects of becoming a lobbyist is networking, as relationships with other lobbyists and policymakers will take you far in the field. Internships will give you exposure to this by providing you with a network of politicians, policymakers, and legislators that can lead to job opportunities once you begin your professional career. Creating and building relationships in your network will allow you to influence and persuade others during your career.

Register

Once you begin your career in lobbying you will need to complete a registration form. In this form, you will include contact details, what client you are representing, the issues you are lobbying for, and the stance. Additionally, every quarter you will fill out a report with your current contacts and lobbying activities. After you have registered, it is up to you to work independently or for a lobbying firm.

Lobbyist Certification 

Another way to quickly get into the field of lobbying is by enrolling in the lobbying certification program offered by the American League of Lobbyist, based in Washington D.C. While this certification is not required, it does give a quick overview of what the lobbying industry looks like.

Dorn Policy Group Will Advocate For You

As a leading Arizona-based lobbying and public affairs firm, we provide our clients with strategic counsel to advance our client’s ultimate goals. Dorn Policy Group works with all levels of government including federal, state, county, municipal, district, and tribal government entities. Contact us today to learn more about how Dorn Policy Group can help you achieve your goals.

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