In addition to working with corporate and government clients, Arnold Public Affairs works closely with nonprofit organizations to make a difference in people’s lives. In the following video, Ellen Arnold recounts one of their firm’s first lobbying success stories for a non profit, in this case, Goodwill Industries of Texas

Goodwill Industries is the largest employer of people with disabilities in the world. Ellen and her team created a program, Texas Medicaid Buy-In that allows disabled individuals to pursue increased employment opportunities without forfeiting basic services that assist them in their everyday lives.

Ellen Arnold worked with Goodwill to achieve a goal, which was to pass a piece of legislation that allows a severely disabled person to hold down a stable job without compromising their ability to qualify for governmental services to assist them in day to day living. With their joint efforts, legislation was passed that now allows severely disabled people work more hours, make more money, and still qualify for these programs by paying a portion of the cost themselves.

Ellen explains in her video how advocacy lobbying can make a profound difference in the lives of people without a political voice. This goes against the common perception of lobbying as pork barrel projects delivered for powerful politicians and corporations.

This cooperation between Arnold Public Affairs, Goodwill Industries and the Texas Legislature serves as a perfect example for how a reasonable solution to a complex problem benefits all parties involved. 1) The disabled individual becomes more self-sufficient, lives a more enriched life and is not penalized for their success. 2) We all benefit as a society when we empower others to be more self-sufficient contributors 3) And there is a reduced burden on the tax system.

Ultimately, Texas Medicaid Buy-In ensures support and independence for those across the Lone Star State. Services, such as doctor visits, physical therapy, and medicine are now more readily available to those who need it most. Read success stories from individuals whose lives have been chanced by Goodwill here.