GR Report: The Now, The Next, and The Nonstop

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT

The Now, The Next, and the Nonstop

NMEDA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Aprovocative theory has

gained popularity amongst HR professionals, cable news talking heads, and My Neighbor Who Essentially Shouts During His Zoom Meetings: the coronavirus is accelerating the greatest workplace transformation of our lifetimes, and will permanently change how and where Americans work (and socialize and communicate and shop

and learn…). While the scale and permanence of socially distanced work (and leisure and communication and shopping and learning…) remains to be seen, this “new normal” of virtual meetings, cancelled conferences, and reduced travel is generally expected to continue for at least the immediate future.

Also expected to continue? Federal and state governments’ near-singular focus on attempting to manage this pandemic and the profound public health and economic impact thereof. Congress does not have a reputation for acting in a nimble or timely manner—the House and Senate have traditionally embraced, sometimes to a comical degree, their roles as deliberative bodies—but these days legislation is being drafted and passed in record time. State agency policies and guidelines are constantly changing. Budgets have been decimated and difficult decisions by Amy Schoppman regarding spending and taxes will need to be made. In short, 2020 is really leaning into an overall theme of

“uncertainty.”

To mitigate this uncertainty, NMEDA’s advocacy and government relations program has rearranged its issue portfolio to include three general categories of government proposals and initiatives that may impact or be of interest to our members, their employees, and the clients they serve:

The Now

This category, predictably, includes government initiatives that can immediately impact members. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)—established by Congress to provide forgivable loans to small businesses—is a premier example. Massively popular (and complex), the PPP’s initial $350 billion in funding was followed by a second round of late-April funding, timeline extensions, and program clarifications. Congress is currently (as of the writing of this article) considering extending the PPP application deadline once again. Resources—including summaries, FAQs, and webinars—addressing PPP and other continually evolving pandemic-related legislation immediately impacting our members can be found in the “Coronavirus Resources” section of NMEDA’s website. (www.nmeda.com/covid19)

The Next

PPP was designed as a bridge for businesses to maintain their payrolls and operations through “the worst” of the pandemic but, as infections rise and states contemplate stepping back from their initial plans to reopen, the path forward is not as linear as some had initially hoped. Amidst the uncertainty, one thing is sure: COVID-19’s impact on federal, state, and local budgets will be significant. With all levels of government facing decreased revenue sources and significant new expenditures, program (specifically Vocational Rehabilitation program) services and funding are at risk of being reduced or eliminated. To be clear, no formal proposal to decrease VR funding or eliminate VR services has been introduced; NMEDA is, however, keeping its eye on anticipated budgetary restraints while working with our partner organizations, lawmakers, and key agencies to ensure that current and future transportation-related services for people with disabilities are not adversely affected.

The Nonstop

This category includes classics such as “Implementation of The Veterans Mobility Safety Act” and “Resolving Past Due VA Invoices.” These efforts have not been paused or eliminated due to current events and, while

GR-related activities traditionally involve a significant amount of inperson interaction, we’ve adapted to the absence of Capitol Hill meetings and agency events by engaging in persistent and strategic communications with Congressional offices and federal agencies. We will not lose our momentum, and we refuse to allow NMEDA’s initiatives and issues to get lost in the chaos. Our advocacy reach also extends beyond the federal level—a fortunate position to be in considering states have flexed their power since coronavirus arrived on the scene, and states are also expected to take the lead on an array of post-pandemic legislative and regulatory proposals. Maintaining and strengthening our relationships during these strange times will help NMEDA cut through the noise (now), move its GR agenda forward (next), and continue to be successful (nonstop).

I realize most recipients of this magazine are likely focused on other things right now: staying healthy and safe, learning to use unfamiliar technology, and preventing your child (or partner) from burning the house down while you’re on a virtual conference call with seven poorly-lit colleagues. I get it. The past few months have collectively been one of the most aggravating experiences of my life—enduring a 25-floor elevator ride with Carrot Top (a story for another day) doesn’t even compare—but please know that NMEDA’s GR team is here to reduce uncertainty and aggravation while providing guidance, resources, and uninterrupted industry advocacy during this unprecedented time.

Get Social with NMEDA

For informa�on and to become a dealer, contact Randy. RandyK@clockmobility.com 800.732.5625