In The Loop – January 28, 2022

They are off and running…
This week was one of the busiest yet for the 2022 session. Committee leaders and their staff organized their annual lobbyist meet and greet for the upcoming session as they attempt to manage the short 84 day calendar. Virtual meetings included Republican ranking members as well as committee chairs and the four caucus staffs, representatives from the Office of Legislative Research and the legislative commissioners.

In a form of speed dating, special interest groups have the opportunity to introduce their organizational representatives as well as their lobbyist to get a peek into what’s on their minds in terms of supporting and opposing legislation. Not many commitments were made but committee leaders had an opportunity to hear what’s on their minds and special interest groups get a peek into the urgency of action for such a short session.

With a lack of in-person meetings, this is as good as it can get. We’re now aware that the legislature will be holding virtual public hearings and committee meetings for at least the month of February. With upcoming senate and house sessions for addressing the emergency powers of the governor through legislation and appointments of interim commissioners, who knows at this time whether the building will have open access to the public.

Time will tell. So we’re off and running in less than 10 days and there’s a lot of listening and learning to do in order to be ready for opening day on February 9th.
KEEP READING