More Than Just a New President Awaits You in 2009

As we look to the coming year, I have had discussions with my marketing staff on the mission of State and Federal Communications. Our strong focus has always been to provide unique and valuable resources for governmental affairs professionals who deal with compliance issues related to lobbying, political contributions, or procurement lobbying. We strive to help them say, “I Comply."

It’s that simple really, but in that simplicity there is complexity. We have to stay on top of all the laws and regulations in these respective fields… every single working day. In order to deliver on this promise, we maintain a team of talented, legal-based professionals and researchers that mine this information from hundreds of sources, and then extract, compile, and regularly update it on our website (www.stateandfed.com), and in guidebooks, newsletters and updates, all for use by our valued clients. As the amount of information grows, so do we by continually investing in a professional staff versed in compliance regulation.

There is no one else like State and Federal Communications, and we take pride in saying and ‘living’ it. We offer the best product in the market because we know our customers depend on our information and advice.

In 2008, we introduced a fourth guide in our offering of well-known and widely used on-line Executive Source Guides on compliance. The new “Canadian Compliance for US Companies™” was rolled out to provide our U.S.-based clients with information about complying with Canada regulations if they transact business there, lobby, make campaign contributions, and/or sell to governmental entities.

Now, “Canadian Compliance for US Companies™” is offered as a stand-alone Guide or bundled in with our other 2009 Guides as a package. Take a look at our new catalog now being mailed to government affairs executives throughout North America. Or check our website to download a brochure PDF: www.stateandfed.com/s_assets/State_Fed_brochure.pdf

2009 looks to be a very busy year. A new president. New representatives. New laws. It all means change and we will keep you on top of all the compliance news through our Executive Source Guides, newsletters and other updates so you stay in compliance all year long.

We look forward to your renewed, or new subscription for the coming year. As always, please feel free to call me 1-888-4-LAW-NOW or email me personally at ebartz@stateandfed.com to answer any questions.

Thank you for your continued business.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO

Elizabeth Bartz named Recipient of
2008 WASRG Award of Excellence 

The 2008 WASRG Award of Excellence was presented to Elizabeth Bartz during the recent October 29, 2008 WASRG Symposium. Elizabeth's work at State and Federal Communications advising state government affairs professionals about a wide variety of state lobbying and campaign contribution compliance issues has proven vital to the successful efforts of many WASRG members. Elizabeth previously served as an extremely effective President of WASRG, and her continued time commitment, financial support and encouragement of WASRG have provided crucial leadership enabling WASRG's on-going success. Despite being located outside of DC in Akron, Ohio, Elizabeth has consistently made the effort to attend WASRG events and serve as a mentor for people just starting their professional careers. For these reasons, and many more, WASRG is pleased to recognize Elizabeth Bartz as a role model for all working in the state government affairs profession.

You Should Know
by Christine Wheeler, Esq., Research Associate

 The new ethics legislation in Illinois imposes a registration requirement on vendors doing business with the state.  Vendors with state contracts of more than $50,000 must electronically register with the Illinois Board of Elections by January 30, 2009 to maintain compliance with the recently expanded Illinois Procurement Code, Section 20-160.   The Illinois Board of Elections is not currently taking registrations, but expects to be ready to register vendors starting January 1, 2009.  Interested vendors will be able to check the board’s website at www.elections.il.gov  at the beginning of 2009 to register. There is no registration fee.

When registering, vendors will need to provide the following:

• Their business name and address;

• The name and address of any affiliated entity of the business, including a description of the affiliation; and

• The name and address of any affiliated person of the business entity, including a description of the affiliation.

Vendors must provide a copy of their registration within 10 days to each person or affiliated entity disclosed.  Failure to provide the registration is a business offense with a fine of up to $1,001.   Vendors with current contracts or bids must also submit a copy of the registration to the applicable chief procurement officer by March 31, 2009. Intentional or willful failure to disclose registration information will render the contracts voidable by the chief procurement officer.

Starting January 1, 2009 a registered vendor, affiliated person, or entity making a political contribution must notify the recipient committee the contributor is registered under Section 20-160 of the procurement code. House Bill 824 prohibits vendors with state contracts, pending bids, and proposals worth more than $50,000 from making contributions to the officeholder responsible for awarding state contracts, a candidate for such office, or their political committees.  The prohibition extends to entities affiliated with state vendors; applying also to subsidiaries, the vendor’s executives, their spouses and children, and anyone with more than a 7 ½ percent ownership interest.

Summary of Changes UPDATE 

Contribution limits for individuals in the city of San Diego will increase to $500 for all offices on January 1, 2009.  Currently individuals may contribute $270 per election to candidates for city council district office, and $320 per election to candidates for mayor or city attorney.

On October 29, 2008 the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida entered a preliminary injunction enjoining the Florida Secretary of State and Florida Elections Commission from enforcing the electioneering communications provisions of Chapter 106 of the Florida Statutes, except for provisions regarding the functional equivalent of express advocacy. The injunction does not affect any other provisions of Chapter 106, including the regulation of political committees and committees of continuous existence, regulations of the expenditures of candidates, and other lawful campaign finance regulations.

Nebraska held a special session on November 14, 2008 to address the state’s Safe Haven law. Any lobbyist or principal who receives or expends more than $5,000 for lobbying purposes in November will be required to file a special report by December 15, 2008.  A report of bills lobbied will be due 45 days following the end of the special session for any lobbyist engaged in lobbying related to the special session topics.

Quebec’s legislature was dissolved on November 5, 2008, and an election was held on November 8, 2008.

Julie A. Allen took over as Executive Director of the Missouri Ethics Commission on November 17, 2008.  She takes over from Interim Director Stacey Heislen.

Meet Tracee Hilton-Rorar 

State and Federal Communications, Inc. welcomed Tracee Hilton-Rorar, Esq. in January of 2008 as a Research Associate.  Tracee was promoted to Compliance Associate in September.  Before joining State and Federal, Tracee worked as a law clerk for Edward L. Gilbert, a prominent civil rights attorney.  Currently she is responsible for assisting our ALERTS clients with their lobbying compliance needs. She enjoys interacting with our clients and helping to keep them in compliance in their various jurisdictions.

Landmark Series – The National Aviary

This article is one of an ongoing series that focuses on historical and/or significant landmarks.  Information gleaned from nps.gov, wikipedia.com, aviary.org, and other sources.

Located in West Park on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side, The National Aviary prides itself with a remarkably diverse collection of birds.  Opened in 1952 the aviary began as part of the Pittsburgh Aviary-Conservatory and in 1993, by declaration of the US Congress, the Pittsburgh Aviary was designated honorary national status and renamed the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

America’s only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds, the National Aviary comprises more than 500 birds from around the world.  Many of the birds are threatened and/or critically endangered in the wild and rarely found in zoos anywhere in the world.  In an effort to increase the population of these endangered species the National Aviary takes part in breeding programs to increase the numbers for birds like the Bali Mynah, nearly extinct in the wild, and the Red-crowned Crane.

The National Aviary’s spacious exhibits create a unique experience for visitors, enabling them to watch as the birds eat, bathe, fly and play.  The zoo also provides a series of interactive encounters with the birds, including free-flight bird shows, and the opportunity to hand-feed them.

Among the collection are:  Rhinoceros Hornbills, Black Parrots, Mariana Fruit Doves, Yellow-throated Laughing Thrushes, Scarlet-headed Blackbirds, Spectacled Owls, Bald Eagles, and their new exhibit featuring African Penguins at Penguin Point.

Let Us Help You with Canadian Compliance for US Companies

Canadian Compliance for US Companies^TM focuses on Canadian legislation, both at the federal level and in the 10 provinces and three territories. This service is intended for U.S.- based businesses, organizations, and associations and not for Canadian-based companies.  There is a need to understand and deal with changing Canadian regulations, so we have taken the lead here to present this new service to you.  State and Federal Communications, Inc. encourages you to take advantage of the free trial!  Simply log-in to your account and sign up for one free month of service!