One sector that looks set to be stimulated by the $789 billion bill Congress has in the works: the lobbying industry.
Foley Hoag, the K-Street- and Boston-based law and lobbying firm, announced today that it has put together a “new cross-discipline stimulus response team,” designed to go after state and federal dollars allocated for new projects on behalf of clients.
According to a press release:
The firm is bringing together attorneys and policy specialists from a mix of practices certain to be at the center of new project-based financing, including Energy Technology & Renewables; Environment; Infrastructure & Privatization; Life Sciences, and Government Srategies (sic).
(Ed note: Lobbyists, it appears, have now been re-branded as “policy specialists”. Kind of like how in Hollywood, agents are now known as “representation.”)
The group will advise clients nationally and regionally as they pursue various aspects of stimulus-related work across a spectrum of business segments.
Doug McGarrah, who’s running the new team, adds:
Our group has a sophisticated understanding of the steps involved in permitting, procurement and project delivery. We recognize this is an extraordinary opportunity to help advance the interests of our clients.
He goes on:
[M]any businesses and municipalities in our state will benefit from an infusion of federal funds. We are launching this integrated team with an eye toward helping clients react swiftly to, and capitalize on, this fast-moving Stimulus Package.
In other words: this stimulus bill is going to be a gold-mine, and we can help you get in on it.
We’ve put in a call to Foley Hoag to find out what exactly they plan to do for their clients, and will update with any details. And, needless to say, it seems unlikely that Foley Hoag is the only K Street firm able to spot an opportunity like this.
It’s good to know that, even a $789 billion package designed to rescue the US economy hasn’t put a damper on the spirit of self-interest.
