What kind of services does your company provide?

Arnold Public Affairs offers a variety of services for our clients including legislative and executive branch lobbying, guidance in understanding and navigating the complex environments of state and local governmental agencies, training in advocacy work, association management, event planning for both non-profit and corporate events, and building organizations’ profiles.  Our years of experience also allow us to offer valuable advice when our clients are dealing with local, state, and national politicians and their staffs.

Why do I need a lobbyist?

One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with state and local governments is knowing where to start.  Sometimes the old adage ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ is true, and that’s especially so in political environments.   At Arnold Public Affairs we have established relationships  and more importantly, we understand the process.  Since most people can’t pick up and leave their jobs and families and move to Austin for the legislative session, that’s why we’re here for you. Watch our Why Do I Need A Lobbyist video.

The Texas Legislature is only in session for five months.  Why do I need a lobbyist the rest of the time?

The process doesn’t stop when the legislature goes home.  Much of the work of state government is conducted in the vast state bureaucracy and the state’s regulatory agencies and that’s where assistance is invaluable.  In addition, legislators and their staffs have more time and less competition for their attention once the session ends. This is when legislators make decisions about what issues to pursue, legislation is drafted and the best success strategies are developed.  Since the legislature meets only once every other year for five months,  the success of any given cause or project often depends on the ability to prepare and deliver during the Interim period. Watch two short APA videos on this subject HERE.

Does that mean it’s too late to hire a lobbyist just before the legislative session or during the session?

It’s almost never too late to hire a lobbyist, but the delay does make success more challenging.  More time and effort from both the lobbyist and client may be required initially to develop the strategy for success, which may be reflected in the retainer fees the client pays.  Hiring a lobbyist who has the experience and relationships needed to succeed will help overcome a late start.

Do you specialize in any particular policy area?

While Arnold Public Affairs has had great success in the areas of health care, education, transportation, appropriations, insurance and the issues of children and adults with disabilities, our established relationships with legislators and their staff and our understanding of the legislative process allow us to succeed in most areas of public policy.  If you have a question about a particular area not listed above, we invite you to contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss what Arnold Public Affairs can do for you.  Please visit our client list.

How are fees and retainers handled?

Most clients pay us a monthly retainer.  Typically the retainer is lower during the interim months when we are identifying the legislative agenda and meeting with legislators and legislative staff, and higher during the months of the legislative session.  The amount of the monthly fee depends on the amount of work required to accomplish your goals.

We also offer a “project fee” for clients who need specific work to be accomplished over a short period of time.

For advocacy training we charge clients a daily fee plus expenses.

While these are the most common payment scenarios, we are open to special arrangements and invite you to contact us if you’d like to discuss other payment options.