NY Times: “In Post-Earmark Era, Small Cities Step Up Lobbying to Fight for Federal Grants”
If you’re a small city or town, you won’t want to miss this recent New York Times story about securing federal grants in a post-earmark world: More than a year after Congress forswore earmarks, the oft-criticized legislative gimmick that financed pet projects, communities that relied on federal money for legitimate needs say they are facing a harsh budget reality. Across the country, dozens of small local governments say they are using the few dollars they have to increase their Washington lobbying efforts to try to compete against bigger and better financed localities for federal grants. While most of the criticism has cast a spotlight on questionable projects like studies on...
Read MoreBREAKING: “Keystone XL pipeline to be rejected by Obama administration”
Politico has the scoop on big news today out of Washington with respect to the Keystone XL pipeline: The State Department on Wednesday will reject the Keystone XL pipeline, multiple sources following the project told POLITICO. The formal announcement is expected at 3 p.m. from Deputy Secretary of State William Burns. Although the permit would be rejected, TransCanada would still be allowed to continue to work on and pitch an alternative route through Nebraska. Republicans in Congress and on the campaign trail have endlessly attacked President Barack Obama for putting environmental interests and the green lobby ahead of a project that they say would create thousands of jobs. Republicans...
Read MoreGlobal Gaming Business profiles mCapitol Senior VP Larry Werner
mCapitol Senior Vice President Larry Werner, a veteran lobbyist who represents tribal interests in government, was recently profiled in Global Gaming Business Magazine. Larry discussed his background working with U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and how he delivers for his clients by effectively communicating on Capitol Hill. Here are a few excerpts from the piece, which you read in its entirety here: Werner’s 2012 focus concerns tribes seeking to offer online poker. “It will be important for them to have a level playing field for entrance into the marketplace,” he says. “Tribes will also have to protect their sovereign status in relation to gaming states like Nevada and New Jersey, not to...
Read MoreThe Hill: “CDC official: More study of gas drilling’s health effects needed”
The Hill reports on a hot environmental topic right now that mCapitol professionals are closely monitoring: A top Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official is calling for wider study of the potential public health effects of natural-gas development, comments that will likely embolden opponents of the widespread drilling method called hydraulic fracturing. “Studies should include all the ways people can be exposed, such as through air, water, soil, plants and animals,” said Christopher Portier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health, in an email to The Associated Press. “We do not have enough information to say with certainty whether shale gas...
Read MoreWaPo: “Billions needed to upgrade America’s leaky water infrastructure”
Don’t miss this Washington Post story on the growing, dangerous problem of aging water systems across the United States. mCapitol’s local government team has developed connections with cities and towns across America. We understand how local governments are structured, and we are experienced dealing with local government agencies and elected officials. Learn more. From the Washington Post story: At first glance, the pizza-size hole that popped open when a heavy truck passed over a freshly paved District street seemed fairly minor. Then city inspectors got on their bellies with a flashlight to peer into it. What they discovered has become far too common. A massive 19th-century...
Read MoreLaPaille to Keynote 2012 National Conference of Regions
The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) serves as the national voice for regionalism. NARC advocates for and provides services to its member councils of government (COGs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). NARC is honored to announce Gary LaPaille, president of mCapitol Management, Inc, as a keynote speaker at the 2012 National Conference of Regions. A government relations expert and former Illinois State Senator and Vice Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Mr. LaPaille will detail issues dominating DC and discuss ways to find, build and refine business development opportunities for your region and local governments. Registration NARC Member: $475; NARC...
Read More