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Dear Friend,
Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, Americans are closely watching what is or what is not happening in Washington, DC. Members of Congress returned in January for the second half of the 118th Congress with a long list of “must do” legislation. Republicans have a majority in the House and are now on their second Speaker, Mike Johnson, who continues to lose his majority foothold as the year progresses, and the Senate is unwilling to move on legislation that the House will not pass or be able to pass.
Speaker Johnson is working with a very slim majority, with only a two-vote GOP margin for the March spending bills due to resignations, retirements, illness, and the special election won by Democrat Tom Suozzi on February 13th for NY-3 seat to replace Republican George Santos. This slim majority will make it very difficult for Speaker Johnson to govern.
As we have seen with funding disputes for Ukraine and Israel coupled with immigration law reform, politics is in play. Members of the Republican party are not willing to support bi-partisan legislation to address some of the significant issues facing the American public or credit President Biden with a victory. This is unfortunate as government is supposed to work for people and the betterment of society.
I encourage all Americans to pay close attention to what is happening in Washington. In November, we will have an opportunity to vote and help shape the future of our country.
In the words of former President Barack Obama, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Sincerely,
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FY24 Appropriations Analysis | |
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Jennifer Krowchun
Vice President
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Madeleine McCullom
Account Coordinator
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On January 18th, both the House and Senate passed a third continuing resolution for fiscal year 2024 on the eve of a partial government shutdown. This strategy further extended the laddered approach from the previous CR with the first set of Appropriations Bills set to expire on Friday March 1st, and the remaining eight a on March 8th. With only a few weeks until the first deadline, this is as good a time as any to review the Congressionally Directed Funding projects that will be included when Congress passes a full FY24 funding bill. Our Federal Team has been monitoring the process closely, particularly looking at how the New England and Maryland Delegation fared with FY24 Appropriations requests to unearth the prevailing trends that could shed light on what’s ahead for FY25. Our hope is to give a sense to potential applicant’s projects that might be successful for funding when considering submitting for Congressionally Directed Spending.
Between New England House and Senate members, a total of 2,625 projects were submitted for consideration, totaling over $5.3 billion in funding requests. As a result, more than 1,000 projects advanced through their respective Appropriations bills, sending more than $1.7 billion in federal congressionally directed funding back. Our home state of Massachusetts captured a significant share of these funds, with over $220 million in awards for more than 200 projects, making the state the second most successful behind Maine in overall funds secured across the region.
Take a look at our deep dive into how each member did in New England and Maryland through our FY24 Appropriations Analysis.
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Matt Irish, Vice Chairman | |
Anna Darrow, Senior Account Executive | |
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The Massachusetts Legislature and Healey-Driscoll Administration hit the ground running in the new year. Governor Healey filed her FY25 budget on January 24. The budget is a $58.13 billion spending plan that invests heavily in childcare, education, healthcare and transportation, but represents relatively small spending growth over prior years. This modesty is due to the uncertain revenue situation the state is facing – at the beginning of January, Governor Healey announced a $1 billion tax revenue shortfall for FY24. This trend is likely to continue, as experts predict minimal tax revenue growth for the foreseeable future.
House Leadership echoed concerns regarding the state revenue picture last month, warning “there is going to have to be a tightening of the belt” this budget cycle. The House will debate its own FY25 budget in April, with the Senate to follow in May. After the House and Senate produce their own versions of the budget, a conference committee will be formed in June to reconcile the bills. The compromise budget will then be sent to Governor Healey for her signature (and/or vetoes).
The Legislature has been keeping busy this year with several other big-ticket items. The Senate recently debated and passed a gun reform bill, and the House debated and passed its own version of the gun reform bill in October. Both the House and Senate bills regulate ghost guns and assault weapons, expand the state’s “red flag” law, and prohibit carrying firearms in government administrative buildings. However, there are several controversial differences between the House bill and Senate bill that will likely be reconciled in conference committee.
The Joint Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 18 on Governor Healey’s Housing Bond Bill, which she filed in October of last year. The $4.12 billion bill contains funding and policy reforms aimed at spurring production of new units, upgrading the aging and neglected public housing stock, and converting state land into housing-ready plots. Combined with housing-related tax credits that became law last year, this investment in housing would be the biggest since the public housing system was built. We expect to see the Legislature file and debate its own version of the Housing Bond Bill this spring.
Governor Healey also filed a municipal tax bill – titled The Municipal Empowerment Act – on January 19, which would allow municipalities to generate more revenue by raising local lodging and meal taxes and vehicle surcharge fees. It would also give municipalities more control over the quantity of liquor licenses, and make permanent outdoor dining and to-go cocktails, which were originally COVID-19 flexibilities. The Municipal Empowerment Act has been met with mixed attitudes – municipal advocates tout the added flexibility and revenue-generating options, while Legislative Leadership has been hesitant to support the bill given serious concerns about Massachusetts’ waning competitiveness due to lack of affordability for residents.
As the Legislature enters budget season and its final six months of formal session, we expect to also see action on an economic development bill, a climate/energy bill, and a healthcare bill. Massachusetts is in the midst of an affordability and housing crisis, reckoning with healthcare issues such as prohibitive costs to patients and looming hospital closures, as well as continuing its ambitious climate work with the goal of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050. All of these issues and more make for a busy spring and summer for the Legislature and Healey-Driscoll Administration. The migrant crisis and precarious revenue situation are expected to continue impacting the state’s fiscal decisions. Formal session will end on July 31, when the Legislature enters five months of relative quiet before closing out the 193rd session at the end of this year.
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Corporate and Higher Education Communication Challenges
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In 2024, we work in a business and news environment of unprecedented scrutiny.
In recent months, the principals of Fortune-listed companies, institutions of higher education and high-profile public servants have been caught in a maelstrom of public affairs challenges. While all have emerged against the backdrop of today’s volatile political environment, each presents an opportunity to gain experience and learn.
Perhaps the most notable example of this was in December, when the Presidents of three elite American universities testified before a committee of the House of Representatives on the growth of antisemitism on college campuses.
Throughout the hearing, the presidents were overly careful when choosing the words in their responses. Frequently citing “context”, they chose to focus that it is or would be actions and not speech that would break their universities’ code of conduct, in an effort to protect the First Amendment. Along the way, they failed to condemn the language that which has caused tremendous outrage throughout among their campus communities and beyond.
In focusing on overly legal and scripted language, the presidents missed an opportunity to be authentic, honest and transparent with Congress, opening the door to further scrutiny, and to the end of their leadership roles for two of them. They also missed an opportunity to communicate with their key stakeholders – students, faculty, alumni and donors. Lastly, at a time in this country when many are desperate to escape hatred, division and charged rhetoric, they completely missed the mark with the American people. Instead of leading, they chose to follow.
Against the backdrop of today’s public affairs volatility, the search to lead should be a constant one, informed by learning, good strategy, smart tactics and clear and effective communication.
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O’Neill and Associates mourns the loss
of our dearest colleague
Mary Fay Roggemann.
We will always remember
our friend and,
like many of you,
the beautiful events she organized in our office.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Mary on April 25th. For more information, please reach out to mfrmemorial@gmail.com.
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Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works, Inc. was founded in 1948 after Vincent and Joseph Helfrich returned home from serving in World War II. This October, the third-generation family business celebrated its 75th anniversary. Located in the home of the Industrial Revolution in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Helfrich is a full-service commercial boiler and industrial manufacturer and a longstanding pillar in the community. Over 300 of the company’s dedicated employees gathered with their families to celebrate Helfrich’s 75th anniversary, surrounded by carnival games and local food and beverage trucks from Sal’s Pizza and The Spicket River Brewery. They weren’t alone for the festivities – local state dignitaries such as Senator Pavel Payano and Lawrence City Council members were in attendance to speak on how impactful Helfrich continues to be for the City of Lawrence. Helfrich has been a beacon of opportunity, with over 400 employees and 64% employee growth in the last five years, and actively engages with local vocational schools and high schools to foster homegrown talent through apprenticeship programs. October marked a major milestone for Helfrich Brothers, and as they continue to set the industry standard, we are excited to see their continued success. | |
Photos: Collin Hickox and Hugo Silva | |
The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (“The Z”), a 1923 historic theater in downtown New Bedford, is Southcoast Massachusetts’ premiere nonprofit performing arts center and the last surviving fully operational historic theater in the City of New Bedford. The Z presents a robust mix of live entertainment which over the years has included greats such as Alvin Ailey, Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Brian Wilson, Mandy Patinkin, Cyndi Lauper, David Byrne, and Willie Nelson. It is also the home for resident companies the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and the New Bedford Festival Theater. O’Neill and Associates has partnered with The Z for more than a year to pursue appropriations from the Commonwealth to support a comprehensive capital restoration and renovation of The Z. The project will allow for expanded capacity and uses of the building, programming growth targeted to underserved communities, new educational spaces and restoration of the beautiful historic auditorium. Working closely with the New Bedford State Delegation, the City of New Bedford and the Healey/Driscoll Administration, The Z has secured $7 million for these critical renovations through a variety of state funding sources. The Z needs these significant investments from the Commonwealth in order to proceed with the project and hopes to break ground this spring. O’Neill and Associates continues its partnership with The Z and is honored to be able to support such a historic, iconic institution that brings cultural, social, and economic vitality to the Southcoast. | |
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National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL)
Member Spotlight: Matt Irish
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A proud Massachusetts native, Matt Irish has an intimate understanding of the inner workings of his home state, including its government operations. Before joining O’Neill and Associates, he served as chief of staff, legislative aide, and staff director in the Massachusetts State Senate for nearly a decade. Today, he leans on this in-depth knowledge to expertly manage O’Neill and Associates’ government relations practice. As part of the NASL Member Spotlight series, NASL recently visited with Matt about his impressive career. Read the Q&A below:
O’Neill and Associates is a full-service government, crisis, and public relations firm. Tell us more about your role as vice chair and what it entails.
My role as vice chair of the state and local practice entails developing and implementing public affairs strategies to help clients reach their goals on the municipal and state levels. I also spend a lot of time focusing on growing our company and large-scale business development initiatives. In addition, I manage our team on the ground in Boston.
As part of the senior leadership team, you merge your strengths in government affairs, business development, and public relations. What do you believe is the key to your continued success?
Our success stems from assembling and maintaining a strong team of professionals from various backgrounds who have excelled in their respective fields. With the exception of our CEO, we come from staffer backgrounds on the city, state, or federal levels. As a firm, we are committed to providing the highest level of service from the first day of engagement to project completion. This has led to many long-term clients, some well into their second decade. Finally, maintaining meaningful relationships with legislators and their staffs has aided us immensely.
You’ve represented notable clients throughout your career, from Pepsi and Apple to GM and Caesars. Do you have specific industries or services that you consider your specialties?
We tend to be generalists, focusing on federal, state, and/or municipal government relations services. The longer we work with clients, the more we learn about them and their industries’ unique challenges. This approach has allowed us to grow our relationships and expertise in various fields. Several of our firm’s professionals have extensive backgrounds in transportation and infrastructure. We also work in healthcare, higher education, technology, financial services, energy and real estate development, and for several trade associations in the Commonwealth. Some clients take advantage of every service, while others focus more on state and local work.
You are a member of NASL’s board of directors and committee for long-range planning and lobbying. How has your involvement with NASL benefited your career and, by extension, your clients?
NASL has allowed me to develop personal and professional relationships with the best state lobbyists in the country. And it’s afforded opportunities for O’Neill and Associates to grow our business. Tapping into the NASL network during the pandemic was particularly valuable. We had many clients who needed help in states where we may not typically work, and it was great to know who to call who would be trustworthy and effective.
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