Shields Legislative Associates understands the intricacies of Texas government and has shown significant success in working with both the Legislature and state agencies.
With a deep wealth of expertise in knowing key decision makers, Shields and Associates works directly with elected officials and state executives to maximize results for his clients. Here are some ways they can provide you and your constituents access to the Texas State Government:
Long-range Strategic Planning Activities
- Work with the client to develop a long-term legislative strategy which defines public affairs goals.
- Identify available Governor's appointments to boards and commissions that are of interest to the client and work to identify qualified candidates for consideration.
- Develop a strategy to interact with industry associations in promoting clients' legislative priorities to gain support and reduce roadblocks.
- Procure possible government contract opportunities and position the clients' reputation and influence to compete for services.
Political Grass Roots Coordination
- Develop a grass roots campaign where all client management have identified their elected officials and strive to establish a "first-name basis" with each elected state official.
- Identify key elected officials or appointed policy makers and strive to establish a personal relationship with the clients' senior management.
- Coordinate political involvement.
- Attempt to increase employee involvement in the election process and encourage employees to actively participate in the campaigns of local officials.
Interim Legislative Monitoring
- Identify the major legislative interim studies of interest to the client.
- Monitor agencies undergoing "Sunset Review" of interest to the client.
- Provide the client with periodic written reports on evolving legislative issues.
- Arrange for personal meetings with the chairman and members of committees that are studying issues important to the client.
- Participate in negotiation sessions with allied industry groups working on issues of interest to the client.
- Suggest to the legislative leadership issues that are specific to the goals of the client that should be studied or reviewed.
Regulatory Compliance and Advocacy
- Monitor all agency proposed rules and regulations for potential impact on the client.
- Provide expert testimony or written comments to agencies impacting the adoption of proposed rules.
- Work with agency personnel to assist the client in complying with all rules and regulations.
- Provide advocacy representation when the client needs assistance with various application or compliance issues.
- Offer names of client personnel to serve on advisory or oversight committees appointed by the governor or the agency boards.
Legislative Session Lobbying Activities
- Provide the client with a written list of the key players in the legislature serving on industry-related committees during each legislative session.
- Communicate to the Legislature all priorities of the client and make every attempt to accomplish their legislative goals.
- Work with elected and appointed leaders in passing, amending or defeating priority legislation identified by the client.
- Attend legislative hearings and meetings pertinent to legislative goals of the client. Report findings and final actions of committees to the client.
- Be present to provide oral testimony when questions are raised or information is needed to promote the legislative priorities of the client.
- Monitor all legislation introduced and transmit copies of pertinent bills to the client for review and analysis.
- Communicate with designated representatives of the client regarding desired action to be taken on proposed legislation.
- Work with representatives of the client to determine the impact of proposed legislation and communicate the client's position to the legislature.
- Represent the client when necessary during negotiations and planning sessions on impending issues. A full report of all negotiations will be communicated to the client.
- Represent the client at all political functions throughout the campaign season.
Communications and Meeting Preparation
- Provide the client with frequent and timely status reports of pending legislation during legislative sessions.
- Provide the client with periodic "White Papers" on specific major legislative initiatives that may have an impact on the interests of the client.
- Attend all meetings requested by the client for the purpose of providing legislative updates or grass roots presentations to management or employees.
- Participate in panel discussions or deliver specific presentations at annual meetings or seminars as requested.
- Arrange for legislative seminars or briefings in Austin as requested by the client. Meetings could include visits with legislative representatives and association leaders.