1. Public Relations | Crisis Management | Public Affairs
NorthCoastStrategies.com| 248.325.8731

2. Session 5:
LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Discover the broad scope of the
legislative process.
2. Identify the regulations related to
lobbying and political actions.
3. Acquire knowledge of effective
advocacy tools.
4. Recognize the importance of
membership involvement in the
government relations field.
5. Determine how the organizational
structure relates to the government
relations programming.
6. Realize the importance of government
relations to your association’s mission.

3. Daniel Cherrin ENGAGED
STRATEGIC SOPHISTICATED
CREATIVE UNIQUE
PERSPECTIVE

4. Public Relations | Crisis Management | Public Affairs
Organizations often find themselves navigating a complex environment that requires
dealing simultaneously with litigation, governmental and regulatory actions, media
scrutiny and public perception. NorthCoastStrategies is focused on developing meaningful
relationships, through insight and advocacy, to protect & enhance the reputation of
organizations in the public eye.
DANIEL CHERRIN, founder
• 15-year media relations, crisis
management, government relations & public
affairs
• Former Communications Director – City of
Detroit & Press Secretary to Mayor
• Association Leader – MSAE, MPLP, State
Bar, Urban League, MS Society
• Former lobbyist – Detroit Regional Chamber
• Attorney + Mediator
• Married + Dad (2 girls, 1 boy)

5. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

6. Session 5:
LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Discover the broad scope of the
legislative process.
2. Identify the regulations related to
lobbying and political actions.
3. Acquire knowledge of effective
advocacy tools.
4. Recognize the importance of
membership involvement in the
government relations field.
5. Determine how the organizational
structure relates to the government
relations programming.
6. Realize the importance of government
relations to your association’s mission.

7. Discover the broad scope of the legislative process
Advocacy Lobbying Public Affairs
Government Relations Procurement Grants
Earmarks Appropriations Issues
Management Super PACS Campaign
Finance Candidate Committee Leadership
Committee 527

8. the legislative process - explained

9. what do lobbyists do?

10. lobbying within government

11. influence

12. Session 5:
LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Discover the broad scope of the
legislative process.
2. Identify the regulations related to
lobbying and political actions.
3. Acquire knowledge of effective
advocacy tools.
4. Recognize the importance of
membership involvement in the
government relations field.
5. Determine how the organizational
structure relates to the government
relations programming.
6. Realize the importance of government
relations to your association’s mission.

13. Why there are laws

14. Laws Governing Lobbying
• Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
• House and Senate Ethics Rules
• Federal Election Campaign Act
• The Honest Leadership and Open Government
Act of 2007
• Internal Revenue Code
• Foreign Agents Registration
Act

15. LDA
A lobbyist is…
• A person who:
- At least two lobbying contacts;
- Spending more than 20 percent of
their time engaged in lobbying activities -
Over a six-month period

16. LDA
Lobbying contact
• Any oral or written communication;
• To a covered legislative or executive branch
official;
• With regards to the formulation, modification
or adoption of federal legislation, regulation
or rules.

17. LDA
Lobbying activities
• All lobbying contacts
(oral, written or electronic);
• With a covered official;
• In connection with the formulation, modification or
adoption of any legislation
or regulation (including a grant, contract or
appropriation);
• Including research, planning and
preparation for lobbying.

18. What is not “lobbying”
• A request for a meeting or other
administrative requests
• Testimony given before Congress or submitted
for the record
• Information provided in writing in response to
a request or to the Federal Register

19. What is not “lobbying”
• Grassroots activity and state lobbying
do not have to be reported.
• Organizations that engage only in grassroots lobbying
will not be required to register its members unless it
meets the threshold requirements for direct
lobbying.

20. Resources
• ASAE - www.asaecenter.og/advocacyoutreach
• Clerk of the House --
http://lobbyingdisclosure.house.gov/
• Secretary of the Senate --
http://www.senate.gov
• House Ethics Committee --
www.house.gov/ethics/
• Senate Ethics Committee --
http://ethics.senate.gov/

21. Session 5:
LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Discover the broad scope of the
legislative process.
2. Identify the regulations related to
lobbying and political actions.
3. Acquire knowledge of effective
advocacy tools.
4. Recognize the importance of
membership involvement in the
government relations field.
5. Determine how the organizational
structure relates to the government
relations programming.
6. Realize the importance of government
relations to your association’s mission.

22. Toolbox

23. TOOLBOX
A Story To Tell Make it relevant Tied to a
broader agenda  A Board  Key Contact
Program  Strong Leadership  Information
 Poll/Research Media Relations  Social
Media Collateral Advertising  Political
Advocacy  Events  Monitor the process
testimony tours Publications/Blogs
Awards Relationships

24. TOOLBOX
Strategy –
Identify the key contacts
Create the messaging and platform
Meet with key contacts
Establish ourselves as thought-leaders
Advocate an agenda

25. TOOLBOX
Overall Plan –
Build the infrastructure
Create the network
Find contacts – The Champions, The Leaders,
The Influencers, The Rising Leaders
Create the agenda - why are we doing what
we are doing

26. The Road Ahead
Identify key goals – For example:
Become a leading voice in …
Become a reliable partner with key associations
Seek appointments
Identify any opportunities to present testimony
Set up meeting..
Create the speaking platform

27. The Road Ahead
Develop relationships while expanding our network - Identify key
contacts and organizations to become engaged in:
Identify and become involved with influential organizations and work
groups to help drive the discussion in Michigan.
a. We are targeting champions, leaders, influencers and rising stars.
b. Invite lawmakers for special briefings and tours (look to partner on
briefings)
c. Encourage regular visits to Lansing and DC for meetings, briefings
and support
d. Identify ops for Testimony

28. The Road Ahead
Create the agenda or priorities - Identify legislative priorities (ISSUE
SPOTTING)
a. Review Issue Matrix
b. Monitor legislation and see what is relevant. Don’t take a position but remain
available as a resource
c. Identify challenges to bring to lawmakers and regulators while identifying
solutions
d. Use election to educate candidates and start the discussion of your key issues
e. Primary Concern – have potential to impact bottom line, hot issue is lots of
momentum, think we can help influence the issue through advocacy. Then MW
lawmakers and join coalitions
f. Major Concern – not critical to bottom line but important. Therefore work with
others
g. General Interest – While important not critical or time sensitive. Therefore
monitor and will involve or when appropriate.
h. In General – make issues relevant to governor/legislators agenda, make issues
timeline and newsworthy, identify key influencers to support our efforts. Create
a key contact program, actively monitor issues and activity, actively participate in
coalitions

29. Session 5:
LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Discover the broad scope of the
legislative process.
2. Identify the regulations related to
lobbying and political actions.
3. Acquire knowledge of effective
advocacy tools.
4. Recognize the importance of
membership involvement in the
government relations field.
5. Determine how the organizational
structure relates to the government
relations programming.
6. Realize the importance of government
relations to your association’s mission.

30. Thank You!
Daniel Cherrin
313.300.0932
dcherrin@northcoaststrategies.com
www.northcoaststrategies.com
@dancherrin