Our government relations work includes direct lobbying, monitoring legislative activities and advising clients of the status of pending and anticipated measures, analyzing the impact of legislative proposals on client interests, drafting legislation and testimony, preparing witnesses for hearings, testifying on behalf of clients before legislative committees, representing clients in investigations, developing and coordinating coalitions of organizations, and organizing grassroots support.
On behalf of our clients, ZS Public Affairs has successfully undertaken efforts to shape legislation in a broad range of areas, including business development, trademark protection, technology and e-commerce, communications, corporate law, higher education, energy, procurement, government contracts, public-private partnerships, health and human services, natural resources, public works, real estate, tax and transportation.
Regularly representing our clients before the legislative and executive branches of the state of Maryland and its major subdivisions, ZS can:
- Draft proposed legislation for presentation to committees of the State Legislature
- Develop strategy for presentation of issues to members of the Legislature
- Coordinate activities of trade associations and members to properly present positions
- Prepare and present testimony at hearings
- Provide media and community relations support for legislative activities
- Conduct executive branch lobbying on regulations, executive orders, business development, public private partnerships and procurement
- Access to qualified lobbyist and government relations specialists;
- A high level of lobbying government relations expertise in both the executive and legislative branches of the State of Maryland and local governments;
- Assistance with developing and implementing a government and community relations agenda;
- Practical solutions that appropriately account for relevant business risks and benefits specific to each client
Government Relations and Lobbying Services include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Monitoring and advocating for/against legislation that directly affects our clients’ legislative agendas and interests;
- Drafting letters to legislative committees to further advocate our clients’ legislative agendas;
- Drafting and presenting testimony on behalf of our clients before legislative committees;
- Arranging meetings with members of the Maryland General Assembly, the Governor’s Office and relevant members and representatives of the Governor’s Administration, local legislators, and appropriate agency representatives to advocate our clients’ position;
- Assisting our clients with introductions to key stakeholders relevant to their respective business;
- Drafting and/or amending legislation on behalf of our clients;
- Providing up-to-date analysis of current events and political developments that impact our clients;
- Providing opportunities for our clients to attend events sponsored by HJM designed to strengthen its relationship with Maryland’s state and local elected officials and agency representatives; and
Lawmaking is a complex and fluid process requiring experience, relationships, and credibility. Our team has backgrounds of incredible experience in the legislature, the executive branch, the private sector, and government affairs consultation. Our long-standing relationships with legislators from both parties, staff, State agency personnel, and stakeholders provide us with the necessary access within the legislative process.