High View Strategies

Russell Lowery

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Lobbying in light of COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis is creating unique challenges and opportunities for those in the Capitol community.

Even while the Legislature is away, the work of governing continues. Our leaders and their staff are wrestling with weighty life-and-death policy matters that impact millions of Californians. Now more than ever, policymakers need timely, accurate and helpful guidance in order to make informed decisions.

Over the past two years, we have invested significant time and resources building capacity to communicate with the Capitol community digitally. Private emails, cell phones, social media accounts, Google ads, and websites give us the ability to reach legislators and staff who are now scattered around the state working remotely.

We respect, admire and appreciate all of you who continue to advocate for the people of California during these difficult times. During the weeks and months ahead, we look forward to helping you in a number of ways, including supplementing your lobbying efforts with digital advocacy, helping you build your own e-advocacy platform, or working with you on individual plans for clients.

We appreciate all of you who have been helpful in building our business. Please let us know how we can best help you during this unique and challenging time.

Learn more about the digital advocacy services you can offer your clients. Click here.

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Are you podcasting?

What do Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Assemblyman Chris Holden, and lobbyist Tom Sheehy all have in common?
 
They’ve all been SacTown Talks podcast guests in the last few weeks talking about PG&E, education, the Fair Pay Act, homelessness and other hot topics.
 
High View Strategies uses a variety of digital communication platforms to help our clients be successful in Sacramento.
 
We’re thrilled to have added another channel for reaching legislators, regulators, policymakers and staff, during their work hours and commute times.
 
Are you or your clients working on any issue that might be a good subject for the podcast? If so, please send us a note.

To learn more about how we are using digital media to support traditional lobbying, please see Member Mobilization.

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The truth behind California’s False Claims Act

As seen in the Sacramento Business Journal

By Therese Twomey and Chris Micheli

During the 2019 legislative session, a bill was pursued to expand California’s False Claims Act (CFCA) to tax matters. Here’s why that’s a bad idea.

First, it would open the door for profit-seeking lawyers to bring legal actions against taxpayers. We’ve all seen what’s happened in California, infamous for its litigiousness. Look at California’s experience with the state version of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ensuing “drive-by lawsuits.” Or the frivolous civil suits under the Private Attorneys General Act to enforce alleged violations of California’s Labor Code. And, who can forget the rampant abuse of Business & Professions Code Section 17200 lawsuits against nail salons, auto repair shops and others that ultimately had to be curbed by the electorate when they adopted Prop 64 in 2004.

The few states that have enacted similar tax false claims laws, namely New York and Illinois, have seen an explosion of lawyers indiscriminately filing questionable claims and threatening demand letters in a shotgun approach to see what claims may “stick.”

Read more …

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We could be talking about you!

Did you see my recent interview on SacTown Talks? If not, check it out.

In recent weeks wildfires and utility blackouts have been top of mind for many Californians.

But it’s often challenging to get beyond the headlines and explain the complex policy choices facing lawmakers, regulators and other policymakers.

Podcasts are one of many effective digital communication tools for sharing your story and bringing attention to your organization or cause.

Explainer videos also help. We recently made one about utility rate regulation. Watch it here.

Let us know what you think.

PS – We’re already working on three different initiatives for 2020—two statewide and one local. Can we help your effort? If so, contact us.

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Easier Project Approval

Developers are familiar with a contentious project approval process. Perhaps there is a better way? Sacramento City Council Members Eric Guerra and Jay Schenerir along with six members of Sacramento’s economic development team jumped on a bus with developers from 15 different companies to talk about ways to build up Stockton Boulevard.

Guerra says they’re throwing in the kitchen sink to get business. https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2019/09/05/sacramento-hosting-developers-develop-stockton-boulevard/